Deeper levels
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| Roger Ballen Immersed, 2016 © Marguerite Rossouw |
The world according to Roger Ballen is the title of the book that presents a collaboration between Roger Ballen, one of the most influential artists of the current century, and art historian, curator and educator Colin Rodhes, as well as an introduction and an interview by Martine Lusardy, director of the Halle Sant Pierre. The book is a unique experience to get into the complex artistic universe of Roger Ballen through his work accompanied by the texts by Colin Rhodes and published to coincide with RogerBallen ́s first major French exhibition at the Halle Saint Pierre in Paris, opened last 7th September.
Roger Ballen was born in New York in 1950 but he has lived in South Africa for over 30 years. Thanks to his activity as a geologist, he began photographing small South African villages. First the streets, then the interior of homes, their objects, people and their worlds, being not only portraits of social reality but also of their inner world. His photographic style shows us a work that leaves its mark inside. His work includes not only photography but also very important short films. No matter how far away the worlds it shows us, they always have something from all of us. We recognize ourselves in its lights and in its shadows, in its forms, in its shouts and in its silences. In his work we see ourselves as tightrope walkers between reality and fantasy, ours and that of others, looking towards the abyss of our mind.
What does art mean to you?
Art has always a means to find and better understand the deeper levels of my mind whether it me my work or others. Unfortunately, in todays contemporary art world it is very difficult for me to locate such works that evoke this reaction.
One of your videos is titled “A good picture comes from nowhere”. Where does your art come from?
It is difficult to know where anything comes from; nevertheless the core of my work emanates from the deeper levels of my mind. At the same time, it is crucial to appreciate that the conscious mind plays a considerable role in creating my images. Taking photographs is an art and science.
How possible is to explore our own psyche avoiding subjectivity? Or subjectivity is one more element you play with?
This is a very difficult question that has been debated for centuries Ultimately, it is impossible to subjectively or objectively understand consciousness let alone our own psyches.
What relation do you think we have with our psyche?
It is clear to me that most individuals fear their psyche’s and have no interest in coming to terms with it. I have stated on numerous occasions that repression of the psyche is the single biggest impediment to advancement for humanity. My photographs have an ability to imbed themselves in the viewer’s mind which on many occasions has an effect of breaking through repressive mental states.
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| Roger Ballen Roger in the family room, 2014 © Marguerite Rossouw |
Nowadays we do not stop taking pictures and share them on social networks. What does this show about us in your opinion?
Much of the worlds population is in a state of alienation and marginalization. Social media provides an means of coming into contact with other people and in some cases is affirmative to the person’s identity especially when attention is paid to ones posting
How is the world according to Roger Ballen?
The World of Roger Ballen is enigmatic, strange, and absurd.
Could you explain us a dream you had while sleeping or a childhood memory?
I have had so many dreams in my life and have remembered so few. The best place to understand the place that my dreams originate from is to ponder my photographs.
An interview by Juan Carlos Romero
All artworks by and courtesy of Roger Ballen
Photographs by Marguerite Rossouw
For further information about Roger Ballen please visit www.rogerballen.com
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