Africa (Commonwealth Union) _ Renowned artist Roger Ballen’s latest exhibition, titled “End of The Game,” delves into the complex connection between humans and nature in Africa. Through thought-provoking installations and multimedia artworks, Ballen sheds light on the troubled relationship and the ongoing crisis affecting African fauna. The exhibition, which has been drawing crowds at Johannesburg’s Inside Out Centre for the Arts since March 28, aims to reconnect people, particularly those who grew up in urban environments, with the natural world.
Ballen argues that humans are responsible for the destruction of African wildlife, from the historical killing of elephants that initiated the ivory trade to the current decimation of rhino populations due to hunting. To create his powerful installations and artworks, the 73-year-old American-born photographer incorporates found objects collected from various sources, such as scrap yards, hunting farms, pawn shops, and roadsides, accumulated during his extensive travels over four decades.
The exhibition features a documentary section that showcases objects, texts, photographs, and books documenting the early years of hunting expeditions in Africa, highlighting the initial devastation of African wildlife in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The display includes early versions of weapons and ammunition used for hunting larger animals, leading into the “Hunter’s Room,” a staged installation presenting archival photographs and items within a safari setting. The centerpiece of this room is a wax figure representing a hunter, surrounded by hunting memorabilia.
The exhibition also includes publicized hunting expeditions, such as those of former U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt and Winston Churchill in Kenya during the early 1900s. Films and photographs depict hunters triumphantly posing next to their trophies, predominantly deceased giraffes, elephants, and rhinos. Additionally, African individuals are shown having conquered elephants, lions, and leopards.
The exhibition incorporates various materials, including animal skins, rusted metal, steel beds, thick ropes, and dilapidated wooden furniture. It offers visitors a thought-provoking experience, prompting reflection on their relationship with animals, conservation, and hunting. The gallery remains a bustling space, attracting visitors who appreciate the depth and emotional impact of Ballen’s artworks.
“End of The Game” provides a multidimensional exploration of African wildlife and the lasting effects of human involvement and destruction. It invites viewers to contemplate their role in preserving nature and sparks conversations about conservation and the intricate relationship between humans and the natural world.
