Roger Ballen Boeken

An exploration of “the Ballenesque” over the four-decade-long career of this daring artist—representing an entirely fresh edit by Roger Ballen himself and featuring many previously unpublished images Roger Ballen is best known for his psychologically powerful and intricately layered images that exist in a space between painting, drawing, installation, and photography. Ballenesque is the first comprehensive retrospective of his work. Separated into four parts, Ballenesque takes readers on a chronological journey through Ballen’s entire oeuvre, including both iconic images and previously unpublished works. Part I explores Ballen’s formative artistic influences and his later rediscovery of boyhood through photography, culminating in his first published monograph, Boyhood, in 1979. Part II charts the period between 1980 and 2000, during which time he released his seminal monograph Outland. Part III covers the years 2000–2013, when Ballen achieved global recognition and his work began to veer away from portraiture altogether. Finally, in Part IV, Ballen reflects on his career. With more than 300 photographs and an introduction by Robert JC Young, this book provides both a new way of seeing Ballen’s work for those who already follow his career and a comprehensive introduction for those encountering his striking photographs for the first time.

Internetnutzer in aller Welt machen das Video 'I Fink You Freeky' von der südafrikanischen Band 'Die Antwoord' zu einem der meistgesehenen Musikvideos auf YouTube. Die Musik von 'Die Antwoord' bewegt sich zwischen Rap, Rave und Hip Hop; ihre Videos irritieren mit einer Mischung aus Freakshow und professioneller Produktion, für die bei 'I Fink You Freeky' der renommierte Fotograf Roger Ballen verantwortlich zeichnete. In 'Die Antwoord' verbinden sich zwei scheinbar gegensätzliche Phänomene zu einem überzeugenden Ganzen: Kunstfotografie trifft auf Popkultur, das ergibt einen ästhetisch hoch spannenden Fotoband für ein junges, urbanes, massenmedial orientiertes Publikum.

Combining poetry and photography, this work evokes haunting visions and deep yearnings for an existence beyond our own. It explores both ancient and contemporary interpretations of the afterlife, creating a thrilling experience that delves into the mysteries surrounding death and what may lie beyond.

Resurrected is a multilayered installation by Johannesburg-based photographer Roger Ballen (born 1950), created in an abandoned family home in the Finnish woods. This publication documents the construction of this unique edifice, revealing Ballen’s original vision for the project.

Roger Ballen (b.1950) challenges the ways in which we perceive the ‘reality’ of photography. His striking, ambiguous images of people, animals and objects posed in mysterious, cell-like rooms occupy the grey area between fact and fiction, blurring the boundaries between documentary photography and art forms such as painting, theatre and sculpture. This most recent body of work, made between 2000 and 2004, is a product of the decades Ballen has spent working with and photographing people on the fringes of South African society.

Roger Ballen is one of the most original image makers of the twenty-first century. Asylum of the Birds showcases his iconic photographs, which were all taken entirely within the confines of a house in a Johannesburg suburb, the location of which remains a tightly guarded secret. The inhabitants of the house, both people and animals, and most notably the ever-present birds, are the cast who perform within a sculptural and decorated theatrical interior that the author creates and orchestrates. The resulting images are compelling and dynamic, existing somewhere between still life and portrait. They are richly layered with graffiti, drawings, animals, and found objects. In a world where photographers seek to avoid definition, Roger Ballen is a true original who not only defies genres, but has defined his own artistic space as well.

This expanded edition features the influential work of photographer Roger Ballen, showcasing never-before-seen images from his archive. It highlights his unique artistic vision and offers deeper insights into his photography, making it a significant addition for both fans and newcomers to his work.