There are signs of industrial decline in some areas around Ottawa. I believe that this building is part of the Domtar paper mill which was recently shut down, with the loss of 250 jobs. What is interesting to me is the location of this old building, which is alongside a sluice at the side of the Ottawa River. The reflection of the building in the water, and the monochromatic blue colors make this such an unusual photograph. There are canals and dams and mills and buildings as part of this complex, located at the Chaudiere Falls on Victoria Island. This area has always been about logging and papermaking, and much of that has disappeared over the years. This is just the most recent example.
Yeah, this is a bit depressing, which is fine. It almost looks like the building is slowly going underwater, just because of the reflection I guess, and how "dead" it looks.
ReplyDeleteThe interesting thing about this photo is that although the subject and surroundings are in decline and disrepair, the compostion of the photo is beautiful. Even the subtle reflection in the water makes this shot glitter. Another example of a talented photographer.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the compliments! You are quite right - this whole scene is beautiful, and the building is beautiful as well, which is what stopped me when I saw it. I love to make photographs of beautiful things, and was really disappointed to do a search to find out what the buildings were, and then discovered their sad recent history.
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