Roger Ballen

BOARDING HOUSE ⁠ 50 X 50 CM PAPER SIZE ⁠ SILVER GELATIN PRINT⁠ EDITION OF 10⁠ ⁠ For sales contact: info@rogerballen.com⁠ ⁠ Within the frames of Boarding House lies a transient refuge, a space for survival, adorned with essential objects and evocative sketches, and populated by a variety of creatures. Each element, whether utilitarian or fragmented, serves as a tangible reminder of past events, contributing to the unique atmosphere of the space. This altered perception of space evokes a sense of detachment, inviting viewers to explore the depths of their imagination and contemplate the complexities of the human psyche.⁠ ⁠ Similar to my previous acclaimed works, such as Outland and Shadow Chamber, Boarding House offers an opportunity for introspection into the primal aspects of human existence. Whether tangible or abstract, the space transcends conventional understanding, providing a platform where my subconscious and the viewer's perceptions intersect to create a realm of endless exploration.⁠ ⁠ ⁠ #contemporaryart #art #prints

Boarding House, from my perspective, seems to tap into a shared human consciousness. My photographs, reminiscent of scenes from a vivid dream, captivate with their depth, subtle humor, and transformative spatial dynamics. This collection, introduced by Phaidon Press in 2009, unveils over 70 mostly unpublished black and white images, representing a significant milestone in my artistic journey.⁠ ⁠ To buy a copy see link in bio⁠ ⁠ #contemporaryart #contemporaryartist #bookstagram

Memento Mori, directed by Saskia Vredeveld, is a compelling visual experience that parallels my award-winning photography book, Shadow Chamber. Filmed in a darkened space, it blurs the lines between reality and fiction, leaving viewers to question whether they are encountering the insane, the imprisoned, or a completely fictional environment. This ambiguity invites viewers to reflect on their own psyche, exploring both its dark and lighter sides. The film captures the unsettling, surreal quality of my photographic work, creating a thought-provoking and immersive experience.⁠ ⁠ #film #filmmaker #filmfestival #cinematography

Bedroom Pillow, Johannesburg #ballenesque #rogerballen #theatreoftheabsurd

SHADOW CHAMBER 40 X 40 CM ⁠ SILVER GELATIN PRINT⁠ EDITIONS OF 20⁠ ⁠ For sales contact: info@rogerballen.com⁠ ⁠ In Shadow Chamber from the early 2000's, I delve into the "shadow chamber" of existence, exploring the underbelly of human experience in a way that blends conscious and subconscious meanings. This work marks a significant leap into a metaphoric dimension, presenting images that blur the lines between fact and fiction. My photographs feature people, animals, and objects posed in mysterious, cell-like rooms, creating a unique fusion of documentary photography with art forms like painting, theatre, and sculpture. The rooms, filled with scribbled drawings, stains, and strange props, are unsettling and surreal. The interactions between the figures, both human and animal, in these confined spaces, result in images that are both disturbing and empowering. As Robert A. Sobieszek notes in his introduction to the accompanying photobook publication 'Shadow Chamber', "distinguishing fact from fiction in this work may be impossible and perhaps misses the point entirely⁠"⁠ ⁠ #art #artist #photooftheday

The second, expanded edition of *Outland* enhances my original series with previously unpublished images, offering a fresh perspective on my work. The included essays by Peter Weiermair and Elisabeth Sussman provide valuable context and insight, enriching the viewer's understanding of the series.⁠ ⁠ The book's high production quality ensures that the intricate details and textures of my photographs are faithfully reproduced, making this edition a significant contribution to the appreciation and study of my work.⁠ ⁠ See link in bio to buy your copy⁠ ⁠ #photographer #book #bookstagram

In my video for the Outland series, I provide an intimate look into this controversial and compelling body of work. I transitioned from traditional socio-documentary photography to a more performative and theatrical style, aiming to transform reality rather than merely capture it. My images delve into the extreme fringes of South African society, creating a dark, symbolic representation that blurs the lines between documentary and fiction. My subjects, often marginalized and poverty-stricken, take on theatrical roles within the photographs, challenging the viewer to confront unsettling questions about exploitation, empowerment, and the nature of representation. The video highlights my evolution and my focus on aesthetic concerns over social documentation, emphasizing my belief that true art lies in its ability to provoke deep, subjective responses. Through Outland, I continue to explore the complexities of human psychology and societal norms, encouraging viewers to look beyond surface-level interpretations and engage with the deeper, often uncomfortable truths my work reveals.⁠ ⁠ ⁠ #filmlife #filmmaker #films

⁠OUTLAND SERIES 40 X 40 CM PAPER SIZE ⁠ SILVER GELATIN PRINT⁠ ⁠ EDITIONS of 35⁠ ⁠ For sales contact: info@rogerballen.com⁠ ⁠ Created in the mid to late 90's at a pivotal point in my career, the Outland series balances documentary and theatrical elements. The images blend the found and the constructed, presenting a world where conventional rules are suspended. This universe operates independently, with its own unsettling yet compelling logic. The Outland series illustrates a world that is both strange and believable, filled with both terror and a mysterious form of love. This body of work invites deep consideration and discussion.⁠ ⁠ #photographer #blackandwhitephotography #photoart #fineart

Wonderful opening last night of my exhibition Ballen on Ballen at @galleriagiampaoloabbondio in Todi Italy. Photo by @richardgrosbard

No way Out, 2010 Off to Italy tonight for what should be an exciting week participating at the @todicircle EverytimeI think of an airplane flight, I feel a longing to be a bird....#RogerBallen #theatreofapparitions @marguerite.rossouw

#rogerballen #polaroid - #0277 #artphotography #artlovers #contemporaryphotography #camaraoscuragallery #juancurto #photobasel #upcoming

Shove, 2007 There are so many occasions in life when it is difficult to fathom the real versus the unreal #rogerballen #ballenesque #absurdity