BOOK LAUNCH: ROGER BALLEN’S NEW PUBLICATION ASYLUM OF THE BIRDS

In partnership with Jacana Media, David Krut Publishing launches two events for Roger Ballen’s new book Asylum of the Birds. Roger Ballen is one of the most original image makers of the twenty-first century. Asylum of the Birds showcases his iconic photographs, which were all taken entirely within the confines of a house in a Johannesburg suburb, the location of which remains a tightly guarded secret. The inhabitants of the house, both people and animals, and most notably the ever-present birds, are the cast who perform within a sculptural and decorated theatrical interior that the author creates and orchestrates. The resulting images are compelling and dynamic, existing somewhere between still life and portrait. They are richly layered with graffiti, drawings, animals, and found objects. In a world where photographers seek to avoid definition, Roger Ballen is a true original who not only defies genres, but has defined his own artistic space as well. BOOK LAUNCH Thursday 10 April 2014, 18:00 for 18:30 at David Krut Bookstore, 151 Jan Smuts Avenue, Parkwood, Johannesburg Roger Ballen will be in discussion with Bronwyn Law-Viljoen about Asylum of the Birds. BOOK SIGNING and DOCUMENTARY SCREENING Sunday 13 April 2014 from 10:00 until 12:00. David Krut Projects, Arts on Main, 264 Fox Street, Johannesburg Following the book launch there will be a second event comprising a book signing and the screening of the Asylum of the Birds documentary at David Krut Projects, Arts on Main. Asylum of the Birds Photographs and text by Roger Ballen Text by Didi Bozzini Published by Thames and Hudson, 2014 Distributed by Jacana Media Hardcover, 30 x 28 cm, 144 pages, 90 duotone photographs ISBN 978-0-500-544-297 Roger Ballen is an American-born photographer who has lived and worked in South Africa since the 1970s. His previous award-winning books include Platteland (1994), Outland (2001), Shadow Chamber (2005), Boarding House (2009) and Die Antwoord (2013). Ballen’s photographs are collected by some of the most important institutions in the world and he has won numerous prestigious awards in photography and filmmaking. www.davidkrutpublishing.com