Biography of Christopher John Ball:
Christopher John Ball BA (Hons) MA is a widely exhibited and published, award winning, London based, fine arts photographer, playwright,
writer, campaigner, reviewer, publisher, curator, arts juror and lecturer. With over 35 years experience as an artist - his work is held within public and private collections worldwide and he was, together with artist Paul Woods, co-founder of The Association of Erotic Artists - an international academic and campaigning body that was committed to working towards a greater acceptance of the erotic arts whilst defending the genre from the dual threats of censorship and intolerance.
After several years within a commercial photographic background, including running his own studio, Chris became increasingly drawn to the use of photography as a fine arts medium and this, along with exploring the role of the arts within the community and education, has been the direction his work has taken him. In the 1980's Chris was a founder member of 'Action Factory' - a community arts group, based in Lancashire, created with the aim of democratising and expanding the role of the arts within the community - in particular amongst disadvantaged groups.
Chris is also involved in the 'Film Is Fabulous' initiative designed to preserve vulnerable film treasures for future generations. The first major event taking place 29th October 2023 at the Phoenix Cinema in Leicester. This mission is supported by De Montfort University’s Cinema and Television History Institute (CATHI), The Media Archive for Central England (MACE) and the British Film Institute. Tickets for the 29th October 2023 'Film Is Fabulous' event are available here
Given that he has been disabled since youth - Chris maintains an active role in the campaign to promote disability awareness and rights. He is particularly focused upon fighting the pernicious impact of the anti-disabled policies of former UK Prime Minister David Cameron - images can be viewed here. These appalling attacks upon disabled people, by the UK Government, have recently been condemned by the UN via the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Yet, despite this, these policies are increasing in severity under PM Theresa May and her successor Boris Johnson.
His art work, views and opinions are very much in demand and he has contributed articles on photography, the arts, politics, philosophy and other topics for various international publications and media outlets. His images have been showcased in Italian, German, Spanish, Hong Kong SAR, British and mainland Chinese publications and displayed within the pages of several respected online galleries. He has also been interviewed on Radio and filmed at work for Television programmes that have been transmitted across Europe, the USA and Great Britain.
Christopher was selected as a juror for both the 2008/09 'Erotic Signature' annual international arts competition and the 'Erotic Review Photographer of the Year Prize 2009.' In 2011 Chris sat on the international Jury for the 2011 '12 inches of Sin' competition and juried exhibition sponsored by the Sin City Gallery, Las Vegas and organised by Dr Laura Henkel. The 2012, 2013, 2014,2015, 2016 and 2017 '12 inches of Sin' juried exhibitions again saw Chris sitting on the selection committee of what became a prestigious annual diary entry for artists.
He recently had a retrospective exhibition of his social documentary at Blackburn Museum and Art Gallery which holds 30 of his images in its permanent collection. He has additionally had work on show at the 'Erotic Heritage Museum' in Las Vegas, USA, the 'ArtBay Gallery' in Stoke on Trent, the 'She Said' Gallery, Brighton, the Len Gifford Gallery, Milton Keynes, 'The Gallery' in Liverpool, 'Southland's Arts Centre', London and various London venues including 'The Trocadero' and 'Olympia'. He has curated several art exhibitions and has acted as a producer within fringe theatre. Chris has more exhibitions, projects and publications planned for 2024/25. If you wish to be placed on his mailing list and receive news of publications and exhibitions please send an email to chris@cjballphotography.co.uk
"...sensual nudes that pay homage to the female form in a manner that is both graceful and elegant. Very rarely do we come across a portfolio that strikes us so deeply..." - The New Nude Magazine
Christopher also acts as a fine art/photography advisor, international photographic competition juror, portfolio consultant and exhibition curator. He has experience in facilitating and advising on art based/lifestyle TV programming - in particular fine art photography and erotic arts. In addition to his fine art work Chris has also produced several photographic projects of a socio-documentary nature that have attracted Arts Council funding.
In addition to his teaching and photographic work; Chris also works in film and theatre. ''Throwing Stones: What's in your family album?'' was co-written by Christopher John Ball and Dean Sipling. Performed in 2005, a revised version of 'Throwing Stones' was published in November 2013, and is available, through Amazon, by clicking Throwing Stones, the pair are at work on several new projects.
“Mid-life male photographer meets young, nubile female student-cum-artistic muse - so far its old hat. But photographer turned playwright Christopher John Ball and co-writer Dean Sipling, whose background is film and television, bring the pairing into a thoroughly contemporary world of intercepted emails, sinister insinuation and sharp retorts. Their ‘guilty until proved innocent’ plot ... is thoroughly watchable and believable - perhaps as a result of Ball’s professional insights and DS Dom Lucas’ services as police advisor to the production.” - Barbara Lewis – The Stage
An Artist Statement expanding upon the themes explored within Christopher's work can be found here
July 2024 Several books, featuring Christopher John Ball's photographs, are now available through Amazon or click on an image below to purchase via secure payments on lulu.com
