Photograph by Chris Donovan

Image Title: Objects in Mirror

Paper Dimensions (H x W): 8 x 10 inches

Image Dimensions (H x W): 8 x 10 inches

Medium: Digital Inkjet Print

Year Created: 2019

Edition 2/20

Image Description:

The Irving Oil Refinery. The largest refinery in Canada is seen in the rearview mirror across the Courtenay Bay causeway in Saint John, NB, Canada.

This image is part of a series entitled, "The Cloud Factory."

As a child, I looked up at the smokestacks of the refinery and asked my dad if they made all of the world's clouds. "No," he replied. "They make money."

It's a common experience in my hometown of Saint John, New Brunswick, a proud company town that's home to Canada's largest oil refinery.

This project looks at the inevitable compromises that are made when a city relies on a harmful industry for economic survival. It is a love letter to my hometown. A city that I find challenging, ugly, beautiful, timeless, difficult and perfect all at once.

Photographer's Bio:

Chris Donovan is a documentary photographer currently based in Toronto, Canada. Hailing from a small industrial town on Canada's east coast, his practice focuses on the intersection of community and industry.

His work has been recognized by Pictures of the Year International, The Alexia Foundation, Sony World Photography Awards, The National Newspaper Awards, and the News Photographers Association of Canada - including being named Canadian Photojournalist of the Year for 2017 and 2018.

www.chrisdonovan.ca