From 1982 to 1986, Roger Ballen, an American photographer, travelled
widely throughout South Africa, visiting its scattered towns and
villages. During this time he developed a unique vision towards
little-known corners and artifacts, trading stores, old houses and
humble people. Textured with time, these photographs reveal the essence
of these places. Roger says he has tried to depict what he believes to
be a disappearing South African aesthetic. With each year, the anonymity
of the present further transforms the character of these places. 'In
many ways I feel as if I have recorded the elements of a dying culture.
I photographed these towns in the hope of 'freezing' time and arresting
the utter extinction of the South African dorp.'