Roger Ballen (1950, New York, US) is regarded as one of the most influential and important photographic artists of the 21st century. For nearly half a century he has been shooting in monochrome, from his renowned documentary images of South African villagers to his psychologically and intricately layered images. Recently Ballen has set himself to colour instant film as a new element in his oeuvre. Ballen's strange and extreme works confront the viewer and challenge them to come with him on a journey to their own minds as he explores the deeper recesses of his own.
The video Ballenesque portrays Ballen's world and gives an insight in the artist's artistic practice and subject matter. In eight segments the video reveals important elements that predominate his aesthetic. Ballenesque has been released simultaneously with the Thames and Hudson retrospective publication with the same title. This publication is a personal account of Roger Ballen's career to date, including rare and privileged insights into Ballen's photographic practice and contains iconic and unpublished imagery.
In November 2017 Reflex Amsterdam will present a selection of Ballen's work from over the past 40 years, as well as his most recent unique colour Polaroids, that have never been shown before. Reflex Amsterdam will be the exclusive dealer for Ballen's Polaroids worldwide. The exhibition will be accompanied by a publication which will give a unique overview of Ballen's Polaroids from 2016 until now.
Watch Roger Ballen's video Ballenesque below: