Roger Ballen’s Boarding House, which he discussed with BJP in September, reached the end of its time at Hamiltons last week, writes Becky Glass.

The exhibition ran for five weeks, remaining highly popular throughout, reports Hamiltons. It has secured Ballen's popularity in the UK, the gallery says, as well as establishing his place among today’s internationally renowned artists.

‘I think Hamiltons was pleased with the exhibition,’ Ballen told BJP; ‘there’s something universal in Boarding House that is very affecting, and produces a strong response from visitors.’ The South African-born photographer spent two days in the country, getting a feel for how the exhibition was faring. ‘Although it is always hard to really gauge people’s responses,’ Ballen said, ‘the exhibition did generate a positive reaction… most people do not forget what they have seen quickly.’

Regarding the psychological intensity of Boarding House, Ballen comments that ‘people should always be careful when using the word ‘darkness’. In my work, the element of ‘darkness’ is quite Jungian: it’s more the concept of the Unknown than what comes to mind when the word is used colloquially.’ ‘I would like to organise a museum show in the UK at some point; a retrospective,’ Ballen adds - though he is unsure when this might be.

Boarding House was shown at Hamiltons Gallery, London, between 15 October and 21 November. See BJP's feature, Ballencing act. For more details visit www.rogerballen.com.