Jessica Backhaus retrospective 'Shadows Might Dance' opens at FFFrankfurt, spanning 25 years of photographic abstraction
The exhibition 'Shadows Might Dance' will showcase a retrospective of German photographer Jessica Backhaus, commencing on 31 January 2026 and concluding on 26 April. This display spans 25 years of her artistic journey, featuring early works such as 'Jesus and the Cherries' alongside the introduction of abstract pieces like 'Papyrus'. Co-curated by Celina Lunsford and Andrea Horvay, the curated selection prioritizes curiosity and tension over conventional styles. Backhaus likens the arrangement to choreography, aiming for an immersive viewer experience. Her latest series, including 'Cut Outs' (2021) and 'Plein Soleil', delve into themes of color and shadow, drawing inspiration from artists like Etel Adnan and Mark Rothko, who influence her perception of color as an emotional language.
Key facts
- Jessica Backhaus retrospective 'Shadows Might Dance' opens at FFFrankfurt on 31 January 2026
- Exhibition runs through 26 April 2026, spanning 25 years of the artist's work
- Backhaus co-curated with Celina Lunsford (FFF artistic director) and Andrea Horvay
- Includes new series 'Papyrus' presented for the first time
- Recent series 'Cut Outs' (2021) used Berlin summer sun to transform paper arrangements
- Artist's inspirations include Etel Adnan, Jean Arp, Sonia Delaunay, Helen Frankenthaler, Raoul de Keyser, Mark Rothko, and Yves Klein
- Backhaus describes exhibition design as a choreography where series flow into one another
- Artist views color as emotional language and shadows as essential to light's expression
Entities
Artists
- Jessica Backhaus
- Etel Adnan
- Jean Arp
- Sonia Delaunay
- Helen Frankenthaler
- Raoul de Keyser
- Mark Rothko
- Yves Klein
- Emma Jacob
Institutions
- FFF
- Robert Morat Galerie
- Aesthetica Magazine
Locations
- Frankfurt
- Germany
- Berlin