In the aftermath of the COVID-19 outbreak in 2020, numerous individuals found themselves grappling with isolation, seeking solace and enjoyment amidst the uncertainty of the times. Against this backdrop, one particularly cherished pastime emerged among literature aficionados: basking in the summer sun while engrossed in a good book. For residents of the Plateau-Mont-Royal district in Montreal, Park La Fontaine became a beloved refuge, where the embrace of warm weather and the rustle of leaves provided the ideal ambiance for literary indulgence. It was truly captivating to witness a sudden surge in the number of people drawn to the park, each deeply immersed in the pages of their chosen novels.
As an observer and chronicler of human experiences, I couldn't help but recognize the inherent beauty in this scene—a convergence of nature, literature, and human connection. Against the verdant backdrop of the park, individuals from all walks of life found common ground in their shared appreciation for the written word. It stood as a testament to the enduring power of literature to transcend barriers and unite disparate souls under a common narrative.
Inspired by this profound display of communal reverence for literature, I felt compelled to revisit a photography project that had captured my imagination in the preceding year. In 2019, I embarked on a photographic exploration centered around the theme of individuals engrossed in the pages of traditional paper books. Now, amidst the tranquil setting of Park La Fontaine, I saw an opportunity to breathe new life into this project.
With each click of the shutter, I endeavored to encapsulate not just the physical act of reading, but also the intangible emotions and sensations that accompany it: the gentle rustle of pages, the dappled sunlight filtering through the trees. Through my lens, I aimed to convey the timeless allure of literature—the way it transports us to faraway lands stimulates our imagination, and fosters a profound sense of connection with the world and with one another.
As the summer days stretched languidly into twilight, I found myself increasingly drawn to the park, eager to capture the myriad stories unfolding within its leafy confines. Each encounter offered a new perspective, a fresh insight into the profound impact of literature on the human experience.
In a tumultuous world, where uncertainty loomed on the horizon and division seemed to reign supreme, the simple act of reading provided a beacon of hope—a source of solace, inspiration, and connection. As I continued to document these fleeting moments of literary communion, I felt privileged to bear witness to the enduring power of the written word to illuminate our lives and enrich our souls.
