Ballen’s first venture into photography at college was primarily politically and socially oriented, with a photojournalistic angle. His work became more socially concerned as his career in South Africa progressed; he even developed strong connections with an isolated Johannesburg community of poor workers, witch-doctors and criminals amongst others.
‘After 50 Years’ is Ballen’s first major effort in colour. Just as in his previous series ‘Boarding House’, Ballen explores the human psyche, trying to confront the viewer with their subconscious and primal nature. Rich in detail and satirically humorous, Ballen’s photographs reflect an elementary sense of existence, with rooms decorated with evocative drawings and littered with animals.
When describing the location of the shoot, Ballen stated that “It is difficult to explain this place except that I think it exists in some way or another in most people’s mind.”