Larry Towell: The Poetry of Documentary Photography

Larry Towell captures the human essence in scenes of conflict and displacement. His images blend art and testimony, revealing realities often ignored. With a poetic eye, he creates intimate portraits of refugees, farmers, and war victims. His lens not only documents but also denounces and invites reflection. As the only Canadian photographer in Magnum, his work is deeply personal. Through black and white, he achieves a raw and moving realism. WATCH

War and Exile: Larry Towell’s Powerful Visual Stories

Towell’s photographs tell stories of war, displacement, and resilience. In Palestine, Afghanistan, and Central America, he has documented the pain of the uprooted. His humanistic approach avoids sensationalism, focusing on daily life instead. He portrays people with dignity, making their struggles and hopes visible. His work testifies to the world’s brutality and the strength of the human spirit. Every image holds a story that confronts and moves us. WATCH

Photographer, Poet, and Rural Musician

Beyond photography, Larry Towell is also a poet and folk musician. He lives on a Canadian farm, writing songs inspired by his travels. His connection to the land reflects in his deeply sensitive work. Both his lyrics and photographs share the same essence: truth, protest, and humanity. With a guitar in hand or a camera on his shoulder, he tells unforgettable stories. His art bridges the gap between documentary and visual poetry. WATCH

The Photo Book as Art

For Larry Towell, the photo book is the ultimate storytelling medium. He has published landmark works like The Mennonites and Afghanistan. Each book blends images, text, and poetry, creating an immersive experience. His meticulous design makes every page a work of art itself. His publications go beyond photography, serving as living testimonies. Reading his books is like traveling through time, memory, and human struggle. WATCH