It’s hard to remember a time when Fr. Don Doll wasn’t a major presence in Omaha. The photojournalistic legacy he has created in a more than 50-year career touches all parts of the globe, though one might argue his most regionally profound work has been in representing the lives and traditions of the Sioux communities of the central plains.
Doll’s calling as a Jesuit priest, a humanitarian and photographer has also taken him on journeys to refugee camps around the world, where he has documented the images and stories of largely unseen populations. A selection of his work from nearly 20 years of association with the Jesuit Refugee Service opens at the Hillmer Gallery on Oct. 26, with an artist reception on Nov. 19 from 5:30-7:30pm.
The exhibition comprises images of refugees from Syria, Turkey, Lebanon, Darfur, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Congo, Uganda, Chad and Jordan, as well as landmine victims in Angola and Bosnia, and child soldiers in Uganda and Chad. Doll’s photographs give insight into the daily realities, its hardships and joys, of the poorest and most voiceless members of the world community.
Don Doll, S.J. On Assignment opens at the Hillmer Art Gallery on Oct. 26 and runs through Dec. 18, 2105. The gallery is located on the College of Saint Mary campus at 7000 Mercy Rd. and is open Monday-Thursday from 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., on Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Saturday from 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Admission is free.