Benaki Museum Μπενάκη, 138 Peiraios, Athens 

Opening & artist’s talk; Wednesday 5 November 2025, 19:00

The retrospective exhibition of the photographer Roger Ballen brings together various photographic series; Dorps (1986), Platteland (1994), Outland (2001), Shadow Chamber (2004), Boarding House (2009), Asylum of Birds (2013), Theatre of Apparitions (2016) and Spirits and Spaces (2025). The presentation moves through the documentation of the earlier works into the psychological theatre that became the stage for his works during the early 2000s, finally arriving at a new era of the Ballenesque in color, with the release of his latest publication, Spirits and Spaces. This exhibition provides an opportunity to survey the extent of Ballen’s ability to transform an image beyond the confines of narrative or medium, as well as his interest in forefronting what lies on the fringes of our consciousness. Ballen’s work breaks down the boundaries between photography and other arts.

Although Ballen is noted as a photographer, his photographic practice integrates photography, painting, drawing, installation and video - transforming it into a medium that considers all formal visual elements, expanding photography far beyond simply capturing what is in front of the camera. This kind of layered image making provokes and challenges viewers to look inwards at the worlds of their own thoughts and feelings, rather than simply recognizing an iteration of reality - this is the power of the Ballenesque.

The exhibition is co-organised by the Benaki Museum, MOMus-Thessaloniki Museum of Photography and Studio Roger Ballen, with the support of EMST – National Museum of Contemporary Arts Athens.

Curated by: Hercules Papaioannou

CV

Roger Ballen (NYC, USA, 1950) is considered one of the most influential and important photographic artists of the 21st centur. He has published over 25 books and created more than 10 videos and short films while his works are in the most important international museum collections. He has been awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Art and Design by Kingston University, UK (2018), and has been honored with important awards, such as: Artist of the Year by Suddeutsche Zeitung Magazin (2014), Photographer of the Year at Rencontres d’Arles (2002), Best Photo Book PHotoESPAÑA (Madrid, 2001), Artist of the Year at Photosynkyria (Thessaloniki 2000). In 2022 he was one of the artists that represented South African at the Venice Biennale Arte 2022 and one year later he founded the Inside Our Centre for the Arts and the Roger Ballen Centre for Photography in Johannesburg aiming promote an awareness of International and African related issues through art and educational programmes.

For more information: https://www.benaki.org/index.php?option=com_events&view=event&type=&id=1050750&Itemid=559&lang=en 

Photo caption: Roger Ballen, Take Off, 2012

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