Roger Ballen will show work across four major exhibitions in Italy over the coming summer, including the debut of his colour photography series and a series of installations exploring our relationships with animals, architecture, and the self.
In Ballen's words, "over the past five decades, I’ve worked to create images and environments that delve deep into the human psyche - spaces where reality and fiction, chaos and meaning collide. I hope these exhibitions invite you to see the world a little differently and perhaps, to better understand your own inner landscape."
The first exhibition to feature Ballen's work opens May 20th at the Palazzo Esposizioni in Rome. Mario Giacomelli, Il fotografo e l'artista is a centenary tribute to Maria Giacomelli with a special dialogue installation. His work is showcased alongside iconic Italian artists such as Afro Basaldella, Alberto Burri, Enzo Cucchi, and Jannis Kounellis and runs until August 3rd.
May 27th sees the opening of at Roger Ballen: Animalism at Mattatoio di Roma (Pavilion 9A). Curated by Alessandro Dandini de Sylva with Marguerite Rossouw, featuring sound by Cobi van Tonder, this immersive exhibition explores the primal relationship between humans and animals. Held at Rome’s former slaughterhouse, Animalismreflects on psychological instincts, historical violence, and the blurred line between man and beast. The entrance to the exhibition is free and the show closes on July 27th.
Ballen's first solo exhibition at BUILDING Milan, Roger Ballen: Spirits and Spaces, marks the beginning of his official representation in Italy. The show previews his first colour photography series—featured in his upcoming monograph Spirits and Spaces (Thames & Hudson, 2025)—as well as transformed Polaroids and archival prints. This is an existential journey through image and medium, running from May 29th to July 12th.
Finally, Ballen collaborates with with Campo & Diploma 20 (Architectural Association) to construct a surreal 'cabane' as part of Villa Medici Rome's celebrated garden festival. The installation, titled Who Lives Here, presents a haunting psychological space of outsider art, dislocation, and dream-logic. June 5th - September 29th.
Image: Animalism © Roger Ballen