ROGER BALLEN, one of the most influential photographic artists of the 21st century, has captivated audiences for over 40 years. Born in New York in 1950, Roger moved to South Africa, where his work as a geologist led him to explore the hidden worlds of small towns through his camera. His early work reflected a transition from documentary photography to what he calls "documentary fiction," as he delved into the strange interiors and inhabitants of these places, revealing metaphors for the human psyche.

His distinctive black-and-white photography evolved into surreal psychodramas in series like Outland (2000), Shadow Chamber (2005), and Boarding House (2009). Blurring the line between reality and fantasy, Roger incorporated drawings, paintings, and sculpture into his work, creating hybrid visual worlds inhabited by people and animals, often reduced to disembodied forms.

Roger Ballen has also explored film, notably collaborating with Die Antwoord on the video I Fink U Freeky, which became a viral sensation. His installations have been featured in major venues, including Les Rencontres d’Arles and the Wiesbaden Biennale. The Theatre of Apparitions (2016) and Roger the Rat (2020) are among his recent groundbreaking projects, showcasing his experimental techniques with glass and spray paints to carve haunting images that evoke prehistoric cave art.

With over 25 published books and works in more than 50 major museum collections, Roger Ballen's artistic legacy continues to expand. His retrospective, Ballenesque, first published by Thames & Hudson in 2017, has been released in multiple editions, reflecting his enduring impact on contemporary photography.

More of Roger’s work may be appreciated on his website.