A Ribbon of Highway: A Photographic Exploration of Canadian Identity

by Taylor Roades

An adventurous and thoughtful photographic exploration of Canada and Canadian identity. This collection of images, taken over a decade and in every corner of the country, explores and questions what being a Canadian means. The photographs depict Taylor’s poignantly observed, first-person experience, visiting both recognizable and remote places that vary drastically in geography, history, socio-economic status, and overarching lifestyle. Roades intrigues the viewer with images of the cultural threads that hold Canada together, and effortlessly weaves local idiosyncrasies together with iconic landscapes from coast to coast. If you have travelled in any part of Canada, you will see something delightfully familiar, and in a country with so much to explore somewhere new to add to your list.

Genres: Photography

176 pages, Hardcover

Published May 16, 2023

Reviews

[Linda-bythepond · Rating 1 out of 5]

Poor quality photography - grainy, grey, blurry, depressing. Taken with a pocket 110 Instacamera some 40 years ago? Photo composition consistently lacks interest. Poorly executed themes - example, grouping of 3 photos showing landscape of West Coast / SK / East Coast lacked contrast, imagination. As stated in her Introduction, her "inspiration" for the book was a first-year university course which she did not complete. She would have learned about "Canada on a Global Perspective", but instead jumped on the "blame Canada, glorify indigenous" bandwagon. She acknowledges financial support from federal and provincial governments, and publishing tax credit for her book exploring Canadian identity. Book was produced in China. She has a lot yet to learn about photography as well as the beautiful country of Canada and all of its inhabitants. If you are Canadian, you no doubt have a better collection of photographs from across the country. If you've never been to Canada, visit and discover for yourself the country's outstanding natural beauty that extends from coast to coast to coast.

[Francine · Rating 2 out of 5]

Maybe I was expecting too much. How can you subtitle Exploration of Canadian Identity when some provinces are missing. A mixture of great and so-so pictures a bit disorganized.