The first records of doors date back to Egyptian tomb paintings. Structurally, they were either single or double with each being crafted from a single slab of wood. It was believed that such doors acted as a gateway to the afterlife. From that point on, the meaning, styles and mechanism changed, but what has remained constant is our obsessions and neglect of doors. Artistically, each culture has adapted this architectural element for their purpose, playing a pivotal role in why and how I document spaces. The reason why I find this element so fascinating is that it allows me to wonder what lies beyond - the unknown factor. The experience of opening a plain door that gives to an unexpected place will never grow old and the same holds true for a door that captures my dreams with its artistic details. Below are some photographs of doors in Montreal that have done just that, allowed me to further develop my passion for spaces.
labrona | iso200 | 50mm | f/8.9 | 1/250sec
Griffintown, Montreal, Canada
greenhouse | iso200 | 14mm | f/8.0 | 1/125sec
Westmount, Canada
st-james | iso400 | 24mm | f/8.0 | 1/100sec
Golden Square Mile, Montreal, Canada
factory| iso400 | 18mm | f/8.0 | 1/100sec
Cité Multimedia, Montreal, Canada
78 | iso200 | 24mm | f/8.0 | 1/100sec
Saint-Henri, Montreal, Canada
blue | iso200 | 85mm | f/3.5 | 1/320sec
Lachine Canal, Montreal, Canada
4920 | iso400 | 21mm | f/8.0 | 1/125sec
Westmount, Canada
rue towers | iso400 | 24mm | f/5.6 | 1/125sec
Shaunessy Village, Montreal, Canada
rue clark | iso200 | 32mm | f/8.0 | 1/160sec
Quartier des Spectacles, Montreal, Canada
2536 | iso200 | 32mm | f/8.0 | 1/640sec
Little Burgundy, Montreal, Canada
[2014] With news of the slated demolition of the Negro Community Centre within Little Burgundy, I thought that maybe I would post a photograph of its current state. In the end, I opted to use another photograph from the neighbourhood as I think it helps to highlight the uniqueness and pride of the area.
Before 1810 the area was essentially allotted for agricultural use. Its strategic location in relation to the mid 19th century development of the Lachine Canal made it attractive to many smoke stack industrial companies. In 1887, Little Burgundy became home to Montreal’s English-speaking Black community and welcomed many African Americans from the United States, other Canadian provinces and the Caribbean. With economic shifts, the neighbourhood would soon be affected by poverty and social exclusion, but citizens faced those challenges head on by creating organizations such as the Negro Community Centre (1927). During prohibition, Little Burgundy built a reputation for its lively nightclubs. The venues featured international as well as local talent, most notably Oscar Peterson & Oliver Jones. Today revitalization has morphed the neighbourhood but the talent nurtured within the distinctive brick lined streets of Little Burgundy has no doubt changed the city if not more.