British photographer Paul Lowe, known for his impactful images from war-torn Sarajevo that brought the realities of the siege to global attention, passed away on Saturday in Los Angeles.

“Paul was a courageous and beloved comrade, and a deeply devoted father and husband. The loss is shocking and overwhelming, and our hearts go out to his wife and family,” VII Photo said in their statement.

His work has been featured in prominent publications such as Time, Newsweek, and The Observer. Among his many honours, Lowe received the Prize for Contribution to the Preservation of Memory at the 26th Modul Memorije in 2021, where he showcased his exhibition “Scars” at the Historical Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

At the exhibition, Lowe expressed immense pride in presenting large-format photos he took during the war, 25 years after they were captured. He noted that it was a dream come true to exhibit these images near the very locations where they were originally shot. His hope was that many residents would view the display before its closing in June 2021.

Lowe emphasized the importance of remembering the history of the Bosnian War and learning vital lessons from it. He explained how the destruction of buildings, the violent impact of shrapnel on streets and walls, and the improvised barricades built by citizens were key subjects of his work. His exhibit documented the “textures of destruction” that, in their time, exhibited a “terrifying beauty.”

Lowe was in Sarajevo in 1992, photographing life during the siege, and later developed an emotional connection to the war-torn landscape. In 1995, he began capturing images of the city’s ruins and barricades, a project he worked on for about six months. He remarked on the strange aesthetic that emerged from the devastated city, leading to a photo report that resonated deeply with him.