Chris Donavan Explores Saint John's Social Contradictions

In the Canadian city of Saint John, home to the largest oil refinery in the country, a stark economic divide exists between its wealthiest and poorest neighborhoods, just ten minutes apart. Photographer Chris Donavan explores this dichotomy in his project 'The Cloud Factory,' blending documentary and artistic storytelling to highlight glaring inequalities. Through his lens, he captures the vibrancy of daily life amidst industrial pollution, challenging notions of objectivity and emphasizing the personal nature of political issues. His work presents a nuanced narrative that reflects on contemporary capitalism and the complex history of the region, marked by its colonial past. Donavan asserts that Saint John must be experienced through sensory engagement to truly understand its unique character and contradictions.