Roger Ballen graced the world with his presence in the bustling city of New York in 1950. However, for over three decades, he has been immersed in life and work in the vibrant landscape of South Africa. As a geologist, Ballen often found himself exploring the vast countryside, leading him to pick up his trusty camera and dive into the mysterious realm of small South African towns. Initially, he wandered the desolate streets, bathed in the harsh rays of the midday sun. But once he gathered the courage to knock on the doors of the townfolk, a whole new world unfolded before him. These interiors, with their unique amalgam of objects, and the enigmatic occupants within, served as the catalyst for Ballen’s distinctive perspective, taking his body of work from societal commentary to evocative metaphors for the inner psyche.
In his artistic journey, Ballen has become increasingly enamored with the interplay between photography and drawing. He has expanded his repertoire and pushed the boundaries of his visual language. By seamlessly integrating drawing into his photographic and video works, the artist has not only made a profound impact in the world of art, but also stirred powerful conversations about the intricacies of the human experience and its untapped creative potential.
And it’s not just still photography that has earned Ballen recognition and acclaim. The boundary-pushing artist has also ventured into the world of short films, with several critically acclaimed works that complement his photographic series. His collaborative film “I Fink You Freeky”, created for the cult musical duo Die Antwoord in 2012, has amassed a staggering 85 million views on YouTube.
Ballen’s work has found its home in more than forty prestigious museum collections, including the likes of Tate Britain in London, Victoria and Albert Museum in London, Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, Stedelijk Museum in Amsterdam, Museum of Modern Art in New York, Musee de l’Elysee in Lausanne, and Maison Européenne de la Photographie in Paris, among others. Reflex Amsterdam is the exclusive dealer of Ballen’s captivating Polaroids, showcasing his unique vision to audiences worldwide.
www.ftn-books.com has the invitation card for the Fotomuseum exhibition now available.
