Controversial South African-based artist Roger Ballen has first exhibition in Ottawa at the SPAO Centre Gallery

When: 13 July - 23 September 2018. Opening reception: 13 July, 6 - 9 pm. Where: SPAO Centre, 77 Pamilla Street, Ottawa Ottawa, Canada: Opening in July on Friday the 13th and running until September 23, 2018, the SPAO Centre Gallery is honoured to present Roger Ballen: There Is No Outside, the first exhibition in Ottawa of work by the internationally acclaimed South Africa-based photographer. Known for his inspired use of black and white film, Roger Ballen has sparked controversy through his exploration of the shadowy depths of human consciousness. Developing a style he describes as ‘documentary fiction,’ he has collaborated with people living on the margins of South African society to create powerful psychodramas. Curated by SPAO’s Creative Director Jonathan Hobin, the exhibition presents a selection of photographs and videos that capture Ballen’s signature mix of raw and surreal imagery, inviting viewers to enter into an uncanny dreamworld. Roger Ballen: There Is No Outside is the first in SPAO’s new series of annual exhibitions that feature an international artist. The exhibition is free and open to the public. ROGER BALLEN is one of the most influential and important photographic artists of the 21st century. Born in the United States in 1950, Ballen has lived and worked in Johannesburg, South Africa since 1980. By integrating drawing into his photographic and video works, Ballen has made a lasting contribution to the field of art and produced a powerful commentary about the human condition and its creative potential. JONATHAN HOBIN is an award-winning and internationally noted photo-based artist and art director. He is currently the Creative and Executive Director of the SPAO Centre (School of the Photographic Arts: Ottawa). Hours of operation The Gallery is open Wednesday to Sunday from 12pm to 5pm, or by appointment. Holiday exceptions apply, and hours are subject to change without notice. There is no admission fee and the gallery is wheelchair accessible. About the SPAO Centre The SPAO Centre is home to the Ottawa region's only independent and critical gallery space dedicated to photographic and video art. Gallery programming includes the exhibition of photographic and video art work by emerging and established artists, working locally, nationally and internationally. For more information, visit spao.ca SPAO gratefully acknowledges the financial support of the City of Ottawa and the Community Foundation of Ottawa.