“End of the Game” – Roger Ballen

“Originally published in 1965, this landmark work dramatically documents the changing history of African wildlife, focusing on the widespread destruction of the African elephant. Beautifully illustrated with over 300 contemporary and historical photographs as well as dozens of paintings, The End of the Game (Peter H Beard) is a legendary work vividly telling the story of explorers, missionaries, and big-game hunters whose quests have changed the face of Africa forever.”  Goodreads

Art is something else. Sometimes one admires it purely for its beauty. On occasion, however, one comes across art which makes you question, and ponder, and think – long after you have left the exhibition. That too can be beautiful. But in the case of Roger Ballen’s exhibition “End of the Game”, it is unsettling, disturbing and wholly unusual. One might even say that it is the stuff of nightmares. But art is art, and I love thought-provoking art in particular, and it is right here in Jozi – so I went to see the exhibition. Entirely unsure what to expect.

Let me say this – the exhibition is definitely not (in my humble opinion) for children. Or those easily disturbed or prone to nightmares. It is my interest in Africa and Safaris and Conservation that prompted me to visit – and I don’t regret one moment of it. It is something that will be etched in my memory a long time to come. And the message? Even that is uncertain. I felt as though this exhibition was brewing in the artists mind for decades – and finally found it’s way out. Without a specific “purpose”, without a pre-determined agenda, and without censure. A simple “art for art’s sake”, “it is what it is” – yet multi-layered and complex in the extreme. The result is profound… An immersive installation that combines photography, installation, archival footage, and found objects unlike any other – ever! When I asked Roger if he was comfortable with me photographing, his response was “Go right ahead” – in and of itself unusual. Even this was refreshing – many are reluctant for people to take images of their art. He has published over 25 books internationally and exhibited  across the world – yet seems to be an altogether humble man.

As with all slightly controversial articles, please note that these views are entirely my own and in no way reflect Cross Country’s opinions. If you’re easily disturbed, perhaps it’s better not to continue reading. The exhibition is not overtly against hunting, although there is definitely a macabre tongue-in-cheek observational flavor to many of the exhibits. I have deliberately omitted many of the more graphic images – may I suggest a visit to the exhibition if this article intrigues you…

Roger Ballen is considered one of the 21st century’s most profound photographic artists. He is an American-born photographer known for his psychologically charged and often unsettling images, which blend documentary and staged photography. Born in 1950 in New York, he studied psychology at the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, South Africa. He later earned a master’s degree in psychology from the University of California, Berkeley. In the 1970s, he moved to South Africa, where he began to photograph the people and environments around him. His interest in psychology influenced his photography deeply, often exploring themes of the human psyche, social marginalization, and the subconscious.

Initially he documented life in South African townships and the marginalized communities on the outskirts of society. His work slowly evolved from documentary photography to a highly staged and symbolic style. He often used stark black-and-white photography, creating images that are simultaneously real and surreal. His photographs frequently feature ordinary people in unusual, sometimes disturbing, settings, exploring themes of isolation, fear, and the darker aspects of human nature. With this change in direction, one can almost see the foreshadowing of this current exhibition – which is primarily non-photographic. In a strange twist, it occurs to me that “End of the Game” is perhaps even more photographic, as the subject matter begs to be photographed – and the end result is innumerable images going out into the world.

Roger Ballen stated in one interview that “I’m doing art for myself and always have. It’s a way of this expressing the complexity of who I am and my identity, in some way or another.” So, it doesn’t need to be understood or appreciated by anyone else. And I believe that is quintessentially what sets him apart. He has no need to follow trends or fashions – and that alone is enough to make his exhibition a worthy endeavour. 

If you’re interested in art that confronts difficult truths and stimulates meaningful dialogue, suspend judgement, open your mind and visit this compelling exhibition. I’d love to hear your thoughts…

Jacqui Ikin & The Cross Country Team

INFO BOX:

Inside Out Centre for the Arts
Current Exhibition: End of the Game
48 Jan Smuts Ave, Forest Town, Johannesburg, South Africa, 2193
Tel: 087 700 5998

“The End of the Game” Book:
https://africageographic.com/stories/peter-beard-and-the-end-of-the-game/

Get a peek into the mind of influential artist Roger Ballen:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y7tvK82vxuE

Inside Roger Ballen’s Mind:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QQEE4KX3X9E

Roger Ballen: ‘A good picture comes from nowhere’ (Tate):
https://www.tate.org.uk/art/artists/roger-ballen-12038/roger-ballen-good-picture-comes-nowhere

Roger Ballen interview:
https://thephotographicjournal.com/interviews/roger-ballen/