INESCAPABLE TRUTHS EXHIBIT - JAMES FOLEY LEGACY:

James “Jim” Foley was a conflict journalist and Medill graduate who covered violent civil wars in Libya and Syria. In 2012, he was captured in Syria; nearly two years later he was beheaded by his captors in a public YouTube video that shocked the world. This year marks 10 years since Foley’s death.

Conflict journalists expose us to violent strife worldwide and share the plight of those caught in the crossfire. Foley’s life was dedicated to documenting and sharing the stories of the individuals at the heart of wars to promote civil and political action.

Artist Bradley McCallum uses Foley’s video footage from the civil wars in Libya and Syria to create oil paintings that he further activates with augmented reality, allowing viewers to experience Foley’s presence and the footage that inspired the paintings. Tactic collaborated with the artist to integrate video footage into an AR experience that enhances McCallum’s paintings. Each painting is augmented with the original imagery and footage it was based on, creating a layered, immersive interpretation of the work.

Inescapable Truths was on display at the Northwestern University Library. and in Northwestern’s Dittmar Gallery in the Norris University Center during the Spring of 2025.

Northwestern Now: Confronting ‘Inescapable Truths’ of journalism amid conflict

Content warning for visitors

The video clips in the AR experience are from Foley’s raw footage. What he captured is sometimes graphic and violent. Each painting includes specific content warnings where applicable. We recognize that the content may be triggering for some people.