Fall River artist Brian Fox has completed a series of Vietnam War military paintings titled “In the Valley of the Shadow: The Cost of Walking with Death,” which will debut at the Narrows Center for the Arts from October 18 through December 27, 2025. Fox collaborated closely with U.S. military veterans, who provided technical guidance and honest critique, and the series includes about 25 pieces, mostly black-and-white paintings and sketches, with one color piece titled “Vietnam Nurse.” Notably, Fox used rusting metal sheets as canvas for paintings inspired by Agent Orange, intended to deteriorate over time like the veterans affected by the chemical.
This exhibit matters because it represents a shift for Fox, known for sports and celebrity portraits, toward honoring Vietnam veterans and raising awareness of their sacrifices and ongoing health struggles. The collaboration between Fox and veterans highlights the power of art to foster healing and historical reflection, while the Agent Orange paintings offer a poignant metaphor for the invisible wounds of war. Local schools plan to bus students to the exhibit, and Fox envisions it touring to New York City and Washington D.C., amplifying its impact beyond Fall River.