Urban Frontier Photographer

I am completely in awe of both the photography and the sheer daring on display at Controleman’s urban exploration blog. The 19-year-old photographer braves daunting climbs and security guards to bring us surprising images of the city’s secrets, from the guts of the sewer system to a breathraking view of the fireworks, as seen from the rooftop of the abandoned Dow Brewery.

You may catch the occasional shadowy figure in some of the pics, but the explorers’ faces, like their names, are generally obscured since most of these vistas have been captured from tresspassed-upon vantage points.

The illegal nature of his exploits not only prompts Controleman to publish under an alias; it thoroughly influences his art as well. “A few things could be stunning to photograph but the risk can be too high,” Controleman wrote during an interview this week. On the other hand, being alert to the risks trespassing and even a little *real* danger can change your perception of a place and lead to more creative shots. “It’s how you use your stress,” Controleman writes.

And Controlemand isn’t entirely dismayed that the law discourages less gutsy folks from exploring the abandoned and off-limits bits of the city.

“It’s cool to know a very few people have seen these places,” Controleman says, “but that shouldn’t be a reason for anyone else not to see it. Exploring should not be about big ego.” The only things he doesn’t have tolerance for are the kids who carelessly graffiti century-old structures, and the infestation of condos that has besieged many old industrial buildings throughout the city. (For an example, check out the Redpath sugar refinery before condos and after)

His adventures through the city’s infrastructure have led Controleman to appreciate the immense amount of work that goes into building and managing a city and to realize that the infrastructure that supports our urban lifestyle has its own lifecycle as well. “Everything is éphémère, except history,” Controleman writes (his quirky francisimes make this blog all the more endearing.)

I was surprised to discover that some of Montreal’s sewers are built of century-old brickwork (see left and many more awesome photos here). I guess I had always imagined some kind of glossy, high-tech system whisking away our waste. But I also find it kind of comforting to know that we literally stand upon the work of generations of Montrealers - and that some things were actually built to last.

Controleman’s blog is also interspersed with posts about photography and survival gear that are bound to incite spy-envy among many. Check it out at: www.controleman.wordpress.com