Aaron Vincent Elkaim spent several months in northern Alberta, Canada, mostly at Fort McKay. This region in the heart of the boreal forest is one of the largest reserves of oil sands. From these almost lunar landscapes, the photographer managed to extract a different point of view.
Through these pure images, smoothed out by the magnificent polar light, Elkaim captures the transformation of the region, subjected to exploitation by multinational companies, and the communities torn between the sudden economic development and the endangerment of their traditions. Some are proud to participate in the changes, which worries the more cautious, who recognize their powerlessness against outside investors.
Based in Toronto, Elkaim’s work addresses the tension between modernism and the survival of a culture.
He is also the cofounder of the Boréal collective. The series Make me ever ready will be on display at the Harbourfront Centre in Toronto through September 21st.
EXHIBITION
Make me ever ready
Until September 21 2014
Harbourfront Centre
235 Queens Quay W.
Toronto, ON
Canada
http://aaronvincentelkaim.com
http://borealcollective.com
http://www.harbourfrontcentre.com
