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temp·ta·tion tem(p)ˈtāSHən/ noun
1. a desire to do something, esp. something wrong or unwise.
Vancouver-based commercial and contemporary photographer Jens Kristian Balle kept this definition in mind as he created his conceptual series fixating on the negative lifestyle habits and addictions of humans around the world. Although it sounds dark, Temptations is a light-hearted body of work, full of bright colors and carefully constructed objects to match — a fast-food cheeseburger, a cigarette, a donut, and a dollar bill, to name a few.
It began when Jens addressed his own personal issues and decided to make some lifestyle changes. Then came the visual ideas, then the planning — which included the obstacle of locating the appropriate props and locations. Humor plays a significant role in the images, which contrasts with but also compliments the more serious message. Jens addressed: “The series itself was made to make people smile, but of course, it also has a message to maybe get a few [people] to think twice about their lifestyle choices, or in a funny way to reinforce what people probably already know.”
Jens personally faced the challenge of translating his portraiture style into still-life form, along with involving many do-it-yourself modifiers because of a low budget. As a result, great detail was put into each sh0t, and it shows. What once started as an exercise to showcase his still-life ability has caught the attention of viewers and galleries. The series has been exhibited in two group art shows and has been nominated for one award. Jens is currently brainstorming a second installment of the series.
“My ideas and inspiration are usually a result of plain observations of everyday things. The key is just to have my notebook with me at all times.”
View more of Jens Kristian Balle’s work here.
