Papyrus is a visual tribute to paper as one of humanity’s oldest and most vital carriers of knowledge. In her latest publication, Jessica Backhaus continues to explore the boundaries of abstraction, reducing visual language to its most basic forms. The title references papyrus not only as a material but as a conceptual bridge between ancient and contemporary modes of expression. In antiquity, papyrus was among the earliest surfaces used to record human thoughts, memories, and ideas. In this work, Backhaus uses papyrus as a metaphor: for communication without words, for emotional inscriptions rendered in form, color, and light. Backhaus (b. 1970) is widely regarded as one of the leading voices in contemporary German photography. Papyrus marks Backhaus's tenth publication with Kehrer Verlag.

Stiff softcover

19,2 × 24,5 cm

168 pages

75 color illustrations

English

Available

ISBN 978-3-96900-256-8

2026

Artists:
Jessica Backhaus

Texts:
Sophie-Charlotte Opitz, Andrei Zavadski

Design:
Hannah Feldmeier