The photographic work in Roger the Rat explores a peculiar figure through a distinct visual approach that blends surrealism with an unsettling mood. The images reveal an enigmatic character named Roger, often portrayed in stark, high-contrast black and white compositions that emphasize shadows and texture to evoke a tense atmosphere.

Roger Ballen’s imagery focuses on confinement and psychological depth, using fragmented spaces and symbolic props to suggest inner turmoil and complexity within the subject. The 128-page volume published by the National Library Australia in 2020 compiles this series of portraits and narrative photographs, providing a coherent yet cryptic visual journey.