A
groundbreaking, immersive new monograph from Roger Ballen, one
of the world's most original and critically acclaimed art
photographers.
Introduction
by
Colin Rhodes.
He is one of the most original image-makers of our times. Always
seeking to push the boundaries of photographic practice he has
created an aesthetic and artistic vision unlike any other
contemporary photographer. The Theatre if Apparitions is
Ballen's groundbreaking new monograph.
With a career spanning over four decades, Roger Ballen is best
known for his psychologically powerful and masterfully composed
images that exist in a space between painting, drawing,
installation and photography. The Theatre if Apparitions is both
a departure from his existing oeuvre and the culmination of his
unique aesthetic linking image-making and theatrical performance.
Separated into seven chapters or 'acts', these Ballenesque
images take readers on a deep journey into their subconscious.
lnspired by the sight of hand-drawn carvings on blacked-out
windows in an abandoned warnen's prison, Ballen started to
experiment using different spray paints on glass and then 'drawing
on' or removing the paint with a sharp object to let
naturallight through. The results are like prehistoric cave-
paintings: the black, dimensionless spaces on the glass are
canvases onto which Ballen carves his thoughts and emotions.
Fossil-like facial forms and dismembered body parts co exist
uncomfortably with vaporous, ghost-like shadows - these images
have the capacity to shock, inspire, amuse and even elate
viewers. Timeless and innovative, earthly and otherworldly,
physical and spiritual, his work transcends all traditional
concepts of photography.
Author
Roger Ballen is the recipient numerous awards, including 'Photographer
of the Year' at Rencontres d' Arles in 2002 and 'Photography
Book of the Year' for Outland at Photo Espaiia in 2001. Thames &
Hudson published his monograph Ao/lum if the Birds in 2014.
Book is published 29 September 2016
98 illustrations
Size: 24.0 x 17.0 cm
Hardback
Extent: 192pp
ISBN: 9780500544648
www.thamesandhudson.com