Asylum of the Birds

In a world in which many photographers seek to avoid definition, Roger Ballen’s photographs define themselves in their defiance of classification and genre: his world stands out as one of a kind. The black-and-white images featured in Asylum of the Birds were created exclusively within the confines of a house in a Johannesburg suburb, the location of which remains a guarded secret. The inhabitants of the house, both human and animal – including, most notably, the ever-present birds – are the cast of Ballen’s world, performers amidst the theatrical interiors that they create and he orchestrates. The resulting images exist in a space between painting, drawing, installation and photography. They are timeless, psychologically powerful and masterfully composed.

'Provocative, graphic, and unlike anything else you’re likely to have seen' - British Journal of Photography, 'Ballen is a true original who not only defies genres, but defines his own artistic space' - Hungry Eye, 'A culmination of Ballen’s previous works and a step further forward (or downward, if we use his analogy) in his exploration of the deepest, most confusing parts of his existence' - Daily Telegraph, 'A truly unique artistic vision. Highly recommended' - Lens Culture

Roger Ballen is the recipient of numerous awards, including `Photographer of the Year’ at Rencontres d’Arles in 2002 and `Photography Book of the Year’ for Outland at Photo España in 2001.