AJ Groen | Reflections Water Spirit

July 10 – August 23, 2025
Opening reception: Thursday, July 10, 7:00PM – 9:00PM

Jill Dyall Community Gallery

Anne-Jan (AJ) Groen was born in Friesland, the Netherlands and has been a resident of Oshawa since 1971. AJ’s photographic journey began in the mid-seventies with a rangefinder and SLR cameras. With the help of a good friend, some books and much experimentation, AJ learned the craft of photography.

During those early years of learning AJ spent much time in the darkroom, but his passion for image making led him out of the lab onto the streets documenting the art of life around him. His years of wedding photography provided him with a platform to hone his photographic skills and to work in the public eye. For 28 years, AJ worked as a photojournalist for Metroland. During his tenure there he won numerous awards.

AJ says the best part of being a photojournalist was the myriad of people he met from all walks of life. For AJ, photojournalism was both a passion and means to earn an income, but the artistic side was always present searching for an outlet. Over the years, he has shown his work in galleries, both as solo and collaborative exhibitions.