Québecbrug, Québec 1924 - 1926

This monochromatic stereograph of the Québec Bridge was created by J. Dearden Holmes. The photographic print presents two almost identical views of the bridge, inviting viewers to experience a three-dimensional effect, a popular technique in the early days of photography. I can imagine Holmes carefully selecting the angle, waiting for the right light. The bridge becomes a symbol of connection. I can imagine the artist wanting to freeze a moment in time, and share it with others. Holmes’ photograph also prompts me to think about scale and perspective. The bridge stretches across a great distance, connecting disparate points, yet in this small format, it becomes intimate and personal. There’s an element of playfulness inherent in the process, a conversation between the artist, the subject, and the viewer. Like a painter, Holmes coaxes meaning from light and shadow, inviting us to see the world in a new light.