Redeye and Manchester Art Gallery are very pleased to present a talk and masterclass by one of the great photographers of his generation, Roger Ballen. They coincide with the launch of a major exhibition at the gallery, exploring three decades of his career, charting the evolution of his unique photographic style and demonstrating the contribution he has made to contemporary photography. The exhibition runs from 30 March to 13 May 2012.

In his work from the early 1980s to mid 90s Roger Ballen gained world recognition and critical acclaim with his powerful and controversial images of those living on the margins of South African society. Although retaining the same distinctive aesthetic, (all his work is in black and white, square format) in the last decade his work has evolved into a style he describes as "documentary fiction" where the line between reality and fantasy is deliberately blurred. In doing so, his work enters into a new realm of photography; the images are painterly and sculptural in ways not immediately associated with photography.

For this talk, Roger Ballen will give an introduction to his work and an overview of his career.

The masterclass, taking place on 1 April 2012, gives a small group the very rare chance to explore with Roger Ballen his work in greater depth, and learn about the creative, technical and business skills that have propelled his career. For masterclass description and tickets, and further information about Roger Ballen, click here.

Talk details

14:00 to 15:30 (approx), Saturday 31 March 2012. Manchester Art Gallery, Mosley Street, Manchester M2 3JL.

Tickets are priced as follows:

Standard ticket £10
Concession (student or unwaged) £7.50
Redeye member £5

To buy Redeye member tickets, please first log in as a paid Redeye member; or if you would like to become a member and take advantage of the cheaper price, visit the Join page.

Image: Twirling Wires 2001; Roger Ballen. Courtesy of the artist and Hamilton's Gallery, London.