A space for Photography

◼︎ About us

Ballon Rouge is a photography gallery in Rotterdam, founded in 2022 by photographer Marlike Marks. The gallery is run collaboratively by the artists it represents, with Marlike as its driving force and initiator. Ballon Rouge presents a dynamic program of exhibitions, book talks, and lectures, rooted in close collaboration, shared curiosity, and mutual support.
The gallery primarily focuses on contemporary photography, while occasionally presenting other forms of visual art that align with our vision. Ballon Rouge works closely with a community of photographers who inspire and challenge one another’s practices, valuing long-term relationships and creating space for artistic development, experimentation, and dialogue.
The work shown at Ballon Rouge explores human experience, memory, and the relationship between people and their environment. The gallery presents photography that pushes the boundaries of the medium, offering new perspectives on the everyday, the remembered, and the imagined. Ballon Rouge presents work that unfolds slowly, invites contemplation, and creates a layered experience where images are not only viewed, but felt.
Since 2024, Ballon Rouge has been part of the Rotterdam Art Week and will make its debut in 2026 at Unseen and North Sea Jazz Art, offering artists a platform within both the local and wider cultural network.
The Ballon Rouge Talent Program was launched in 2024, founded by Sanne Romeijn and Marlike Marks, to support emerging photographers. Each year, one or more participants are guided from concept to exhibition through a combination of mentorship, expert input, and practical support, helping them develop their projects both creatively and professionally.
Founder, gallery program, Book Nights & PR
Marlike Marks
Talent program, Book Nights & fundraising
Sanne Romeijn
Our volunteers
Charlotte van Ruijven
Laura van Steijn
Graphic design Rick Angenent Studio
Photography Anne Kaere Fotografie
We collaborate / have collaborated with guest curators including Anaïs López, Mira Matić, Hedy van Erp, Fleurie Kloostra, Nicole Robbers, and François Hendrickx.
We welcome exhibition proposals submitted through the form on our website. Walk-in visits with portfolios or unsolicited email submissions will not be considered.
Appointments are only scheduled after a proposal has been submitted and if we see potential for future collaboration. Due to the high volume of submissions, we are unable to respond to each proposal individually, but all submissions are carefully stored in our artist database and considered when planning future exhibitions.
Please note that Ballon Rouge programs a limited number of solo exhibitions each year (usually two to three), and our schedule is usually planned a year ahead.
Looking for exhibition space on shorter notice? Please explore our rental options.
At the moment, we do not have any job vacancies.