Roger Ballen, a pioneering photographer of his time, emerged onto the scene in 1950, amidst the bustling cityscape of New York. However, for over three decades, he has made South Africa his home and creative sanctuary.
Initially, Ballen's career as a geologist led him on a journey of discovery, venturing into the unforgiving yet breathtakingly beautiful expanse of the veldt. This odyssey ultimately sparked a creative epiphany, propelling him to abandon his geological pursuits and instead, take up the camera, thus embarking on a new and uncharted path.
The illustrious photographic odyssey of Ballen commenced with an artistic endeavor to immortalize the stark, deserted streets, bathed in the unforgiving intensity of the midday sun. Yet, it was only after he mustered the courage to boldly knock on the doors of the local residents that he stumbled upon a world hidden within the intimate confines of their homes, an epiphanic discovery that would have a profound and lasting impact on his photographic endeavors, forever altering the trajectory of his artistic vision.
As Ballen delved deeper into the world of photography, he found himself surrounded by an array of interiors that were not only visually striking but also teeming with an assortment of eclectic objects and their intriguing occupants. This newfound environment served as a catalyst for a profound transformation in Ballen's artistic vision, as he began to redirect his photographic focus away from social commentary and towards the creation of rich, symbolic metaphors that would serve as a window into the workings of the human mind.
As the tumultuous events of 1994 came to a close, Ballen's artistic trajectory underwent a significant shift, as he redirected his creative focus from the idyllic countryside to the urban metropolis of Johannesburg.
