Inside the warped, disturbing world of Roger Ballen
- Text by HUCK HQ
- Photography by Roger Ballen
When it comes to his craft, Roger Ballen is not interested in making the viewer comfortable. Quite the opposite, really – he purposefully taps into the darkest aspects of being human, creating claustrophobic black and white scenes set against chaotic, graffitied walls. His work teeters between reality and fiction, between the real-life grit of his subjects and the carefully constructed, somewhat nightmarish environments they are set in.
Photographing since the 1970s and based in South Africa, the 66-year-old has coined his own, completely unique visual style – so individual, in fact, that it was given its own name: ‘Ballenesque.’
Now, his work is being compiled in a new book published by Thames & Hudson. Going chronologically through the prolific artists’ archive, Ballenesque features over 300 images – from well-known shots (such as 1993’s “Dresie and Casie, Twins”) to never-before-seen creations.
Accompanying the book is a short film, which sees the photographer address his work. His gruff voice lists off the key elements – the animals scattered around every scene, the border between real vs unreal, the claustrophobic spaces, and his ultimate rule: chaos over order.
“I have been taking photographs for five decades. During this time, I broke through parts of my mind that I never knew existed,” he intones. “I think my photographs will take you to a world that has been for many inaccessible.”
Puppy Between Feet, 1999
Sgt F de Bruin, Dep of Prisons Employees, 1992
One Arm Goose , 2004
Mimicry, 2005
Man shaving on verandah, 1986
Five Hands, 2006
Cut Loose, 2005
Dresie and Casie, Twins, 1993
Hug, 2016
Head Below Wires, 1999
Devour, 2013
Ballenesque is out now via Thames & Hudson. Find your copy here.
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