hyle | curtain | backdrop: Reviewed by Christopher J. Johnson

Book Review hyle | curtain | backdrop Photographs by Anni Leppälä Reviewed by Christopher J. Johnson Anni Leppälä's work draws from memories, loss, longing and early youth. In her pictures she tries to make connection and closeness tangible, but also to reveal a familiar, deeper meaning.

hyle | curtain | backdrop. By Anni Leppälä.

hyle | curtain | backdrop
Photographs by Anni Leppälä

Kehrer Verlag, Stuttgart, Germany, 2019. 128 pp., 71 color illustrations, 6½x9¼x¼".

hyle | curtain | backdrop is a book of elements, mysteries, and appearances and disappearances. Engaging with the book creates a sort of trance wherein what is seen is only partially experienced, similar to following someone around corner after corner in a dream.

Hyle, the word, alludes to the originary matter of the universe as put down by the Pre-Socratic philosopher Empedocles and later adopted by Aristotle, but in this case it refers to the home as the center of our personal creation; a place of continual renewal and self-healing, but of concealment also.

After living with this book for several weeks, most of the time anywhere I went, I cannot recommend it enough. It is an enigma, but also reminds me of what it is to experience home, healing, and growth. It’s a book that is no book; this book is a spell like creation itself is a spell.

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hyle | curtain | backdrop. By Anni Leppälä.

hyle | curtain | backdrop. By Anni Leppälä.

hyle | curtain | backdrop. By Anni Leppälä.

hyle | curtain | backdrop. By Anni Leppälä.

hyle | curtain | backdrop. By Anni Leppälä.

Christopher J Johnson is a poet and writer living in Santa Fe. He is the author of &luckier, from the center for literary publishing. He is currently manager of photo-eye’s Book Division.