Museum Gugging in Klosterneuburg, located in the Tulln district, has opened a major new special exhibition titled "roger ballen.! drawing meets photography." The comprehensive showcase features over 120 works, offering visitors an extensive insight into the artistic universe of one of the 21st century's most significant photo artists.
Roger Ballen, a New York-born artist who has lived and worked in South Africa since the 1980s, is widely recognized as one of the most important photographic artists of our time. His distinctive visual language masterfully weaves together photography, drawing, staging, and psychological inner worlds, creating a unique artistic expression that challenges conventional boundaries. His works frequently emerge from the margins of society, leading viewers into spaces that appear simultaneously real and staged, familiar yet deeply unsettling.
A pivotal moment in Ballen's artistic development came in the late 1990s when he began integrating drawings directly into his photographs. This innovative approach draws upon childlike scribbles, archetypal symbols, and his own graphic elements, creating a revolutionary fusion of mediums. Through this groundbreaking combination of drawing and photography, the artist developed a visual language that has become known as "Ballenesque." This technique simultaneously expanded the photographic sphere by adding a raw, direct level of expression that recalls Jean Dubuffet's concept of Art Brut.
According to curator Nina Ansperger, "Roger Ballen's work stands as an exemplary case of radical expansion of photographic expression possibilities. He works with drawings that appear fleeting and transient, often surviving only within the photograph itself." This unique approach has established Ballen as a pioneer in contemporary photographic art, pushing the boundaries of what photography can achieve as an artistic medium.
The new exhibition presents the entire spectrum of Ballen's artistic output through its collection of over 120 works. Visitors can explore early photographs, Polaroids, etchings, large-format black-and-white series, and vibrant color series that span decades of creative evolution. The exhibition specially highlights Ballen's artistic journey and the development of his distinctive style that has influenced countless contemporary artists.
A major highlight of the exhibition is "Drawing Man," a movable sculpture installation that Ballen developed specifically for the museum. This unique piece transfers his photographic worlds into the real exhibition space, allowing visitors to experience his artistic vision in three dimensions. The installation represents a new dimension of Ballen's work, bridging the gap between his two-dimensional photographic art and sculptural expression.
To complement the exhibition, a special photo book is being published in the Anzenberger Edition. Art enthusiasts will have a rare opportunity to meet the artist in person and have their books signed by Roger Ballen during a special event scheduled for Sunday at 3:00 PM, following a guided tour of the exhibition. This intimate encounter with the artist provides visitors with unique insights into his creative process and artistic philosophy.
The special exhibition dedicated to this renowned photo artist will remain on display at Museum Gugging until February 15, 2026, giving art lovers an extended opportunity to experience Ballen's groundbreaking work. The extended run reflects the significance of this comprehensive retrospective and the museum's commitment to showcasing innovative contemporary art.
