Toronto As Community: Fifty Years of Photographs
Toronto as Community represents more than fifty years of photography by Vincenzo Pietropaolo, “one of Canada’s pre-eminent documentary photographers” (Canadian Geographic). The photographs are grouped around short essays written by Pietropaolo, that explore his particular interests and observations, often questions of social justice, which, in turn, inform the photographs themselves.
This poetic portrayal of the city of Toronto documents the daily life of ordinary citizens, at work, at play, in celebration, in protest, and in mourning. The book includes images of many parks and natural areas and some of the city’s architecture.
These images will invoke the reader’s sense of nostalgia, inviting reflection on the city that once was, how it became the city it is, and how it continues to develop and grow into a city of our imaginations.
As the largest city in Canada and fourth largest in North America, Toronto has become one of the most ethnically diverse cities in the world, with citizens speaking some one hundred eighty languages, with more than fifty-two percent of its residents born outside of the country.
Former Mayor of Toronto David Miller (2003-2010) has said: “This beautifully photographed and well-written book showcases Toronto both in its gritty reality and its beautiful glory. The book captures the vision for the reality, for stolen moments, and for clarity about our city’s strengths — and challenges, from a place of affection. Vincenzo says that Toronto is the ‘enduring photographic subject of my life.’ It shows.”
Barbara Hall, CM, former Mayor (1994-1997): ”With his camera and great eye he shows us that city, Toronto, full of life, joy, sometimes sadness and beauty. This book reminds me why I love Toronto so much.”
Hard cover with dustjacket, 207 photographs in colour and black and white, 320 pages.
Publisher: Cormorant Books, Toronto, 2023. ISBN 9781770866232.