Installation View of the exhibition *Roger Ballen, Call of the Void* in Museum Tinguely, Basel, 2023
©courtesy Roger Ballen, photo: Marguerite Rossouw

Written by Max Wiener

Photo Edited by Olivia Castillo

Specific questions will remain unanswered, and then there will be no answers. Roger Ballen wants us to challenge our minds and conceptualize these things. Speaking on his new exhibit at Switzerland’s Museum Tinguely, entitled Call of the Void, the iconic photographer says that “while [he does] not claim to provide answers or even questions to these most profound and difficult issues, it is [his] hope that [his] exhibition will challenge the viewer’s perceptions and consequently set up a process of self-examination leading to a more inquisitive state of self-consciousness.” If only every artist could provide such an ushering into their work. The incredible series, having just opened on April 19, is scheduled to run until October 29, giving viewers a hearty time to ponder these incredibly dense issues.

Installation View of the exhibition *Roger Ballen, Call of the Void* in Museum Tinguely, Basel, 2023
©courtesy Roger Ballen
2023 Museum Tinguely, Basel; photo: Felix Scharff

Those familiar with Ballen’s previous exhibitions will be familiar with some of the pieces; his older works adorn the walls and offer a little preamble to the rest of the series. They contain a similar theme: a concrete and seemingly recognizable figure paired with an archaic, even ancient backdrop, asking us to recognize our roots as human beings and acknowledge our journey as a species. Ballen said he wanted this exhibit to be more existential, posing questions like “Where did we come from? What are we here for? And where do we go once we die?” His previous work deals with the impending doom of an apocalypse. However, these two themes bind together all human beings and, if applicable, are something we all face. This incredible uniting bond of thematic sequences makes Call of the Void so profoundly influential and adds tremendous depth to the viewing experience. Having a bonding narrative almost brings you closer to the people around you as you wander through this incredibly moving exhibition.

Standing at the center of this exhibition is a very rundown-looking shack, reminiscent of something that would exist in a 1920s Hooverville or apartheid-era South Africa. Inside, it has some of Ballen’s most powerful works from the Asylum of the Birds and Roger’s Rats exhibitions, showing the darkness throughout humanity. The shack is a staunch reminder of people's squalor and begs us to realize our situations. You are figuratively stepping inside the argument and questioning the human condition. Being surrounded by such fierce reminders almost immediately begs you to come up with answers. It’s a true testament to the power of Ballen’s work that an exhibition can have you wondering about every aspect of your life, both contentious and existential. Call of the Void is a fantastic notch for a man who has already asked so much of his viewers.

For more information, click here.

May 2 Exhibition Review: Call of the Void

May 3 Woman Crush Wednesday: Disha Patil

May 1 Photo London 2023

Related Posts