Cathy Dobson/The Independent

His acclaimed work has been showcased internationally for decades. But Lambton County’s award-winning photojournalist Larry Towell has never mounted a solo show in his own backyard. 

Until now.

“Boundaries” opens Friday Oct. 3 at the Judith & Norman Alix Art Gallery in downtown Sarnia featuring more than 130 of  Towell’s photographs taken over four decades.

It’s a showcase of Towell as a photographer and a storyteller, says JNAAG curator Sonya Blazek.  Apart from a touring photo show in 1999 that stopped at Gallery Lambton, this is the first time his work has been exhibited locally, she said.

Boundaries features work produced in conflict zones and at major global events including Ukraine, El Salvador, Afghanistan, Palestine and 9/11.  It also highlights selections from Towell’s extensive photographic series, including The Mennonites and The World From My Front Porch, which offers a personal account of his family life and home in Lambton County.

At age 72, Towell is a long-time resident of Dawn-Euphemia where he and his wife Ann raised their four children.

But he has travelled extensively, spending years documenting conflict and crisis all over the world.

“Towell’s deep local roots…add a personal dimension to this globally focused exhibition,” says Blazek.  “Featuring timely coverage of the war in Ukraine and the migrant crisis at the Mexican border, the show connects local significance with urgent global relevance.”

The JNAAG exhibition features large-scale prints – some as wide as seven feet – as well as a “listening and reading room” to hear original music by Towell and read from some of the 16 books he’s produced over the years, including his latest called The History War.

“It’s a glimpse of a lifetime of work,” Towell told The Independent.  “I have had a lot of exhibitions in Europe and the States but this is my first show here.”

Why is that?  “I was never asked before,” Towell said simply. “And then Sonya invited me.”

Blazek, whose father attended high school with Towell, approached him about a show that could be timed with the publication of his latest book.  The History War was released earlier this year and reflects his experiences in Ukraine, starting with his first trip there in 2014 and every year after that until 2022 when the Russians invaded.

The new book combines black and white photography with colour and has an introduction about Ukraine’s historical evolution as a country.

Towell will attend the Oct. 3 opening when the public is invited to tour the exhibition and enjoy a reception with him from 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.  Admission is free.

He is also hosting a walking tour on Oct. 9 that is sold out.  However, tickets are still available for another tour with Towell on Oct. 30.  It’s free but registration is required.

The Boundaries exhibition will remain open until March 14.

Meanwhile, Towell is also screening his first feature length film Nov. 7 at The Imperial Theatre in Sarnia.  “The Man I Left Behind” is a collection of video he shot around the world about conflict and conflict resolution.

• WHAT?  “Boundaries” exhibition by internationally celebrated photojournalist Larry Towell.
• WHERE?  Judith & Norman Alix Art Gallery downtown Sarnia.
• WHEN?  Opens Oct. 3 (First Friday) with reception with the artist. Closes March 14, 2026.