The Theatre Of Apparitions

By (author) Ballen Roger
Short description/annotation
A study of the connections between photography, drawing, the mind and the body. In this book, the images were inspired by the simple act of drawing on windows - a practice that the author observed first-hand in many communities. It features photographs that carves out a realm that is both earthly and otherworldly, physical and spiritual.
Description
The Theatre of Apparitions is a highly anticipated body of work by one of the most original image-makers of our times, whose remarkable artistic trajectory spans the past 40 years. This book is the culmination of his ongoing study of the connections between photography, drawing, the mind and the body. Created between the years 2004 and 2008, these 90-odd black-and-white images encourage viewers to delve deep into the darkest part of their psyches.
The images in this new monograph were inspired by the simple act of drawing on windows – a practice that Ballen observed first-hand in many communities. From there, he started to experiment using different spray paints on glass and then `drawing on’ or removing the paint with a sharp object to let natural light through. Finally, he photographed the results with a macro lens using black-and-white film. These black, dimensionless spaces effectively operate as canvases onto which Ballen projects pictorially his thoughts and emotions, creating, in effect, a theatre of the mind. The plates are separated into seven chapters or `acts’, with each one introduced by a text written by Ballen himself. Carving out a realm that is both earthly and otherworldly, physical and spiritual, his work transcends all traditional concepts of photography.
Table of contents
Introduction • Plates split into seven chapters or `Acts’ (each with an introduction by Roger Ballen) • Afterword by Roger Ballen (on how the photographs were created) • List of Works • Biography
Review quote
''Otherworldly'' - CNN
Review quote
''Reveals a surprising, macabre new direction for the photographer'' - Creative Review
Review quote
''Highlights shadowed places in the human psyche and in the wider world. Recommended'' - Fortean Times
Biographical note
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.
Promotional headline
An immersive, groundbreaking new monograph from Roger Ballen, one of the world’s most original and critically acclaimed art photographers