Roger Ballen is a renowned and influential photographic artist known for his innovative blend of documentary and surreal photography. His work spans five decades and incorporates mediums such as film, installation, theater, sculpture, painting, and drawing. Roger Ballen's unique style, known as "Ballenesque," draws from various artistic genres such as absurdist theater, outsider art, art brut, naivism, photographic surrealism, and the photographic grotesque, creating thought-provoking and evocative imagery that delves into the subconscious mind and the human condition.

In addition to his artistic achievements, the Roger Ballen Foundation has established the Inside Out Centre for the Arts, located in Johannesburg, with the purpose of promoting African photography and art through exhibitions and educational programs. One of the notable events hosted by the Inside Out Centre is Roger Ballen's "Roger the Rat" virtual exhibition, presented in collaboration with the Baroque Gallery, which reimagines the art exhibition experience using virtual and augmented reality technologies.

Beyond his artistry, Roger Ballen's personal experiences, such as his background in psychology and early career as a geologist, have significantly influenced his approach to photography, shaping his captivating and enigmatic visual narratives.