The 12th and 16th districts of Montreal (Rivière-des-Prairies and Le Sud-Ouest, respectively) have both been central to my life. These areas have historically been hotbeds for Italians, who mostly moved to Canada from the southern villages of post-war Italy. Shaped greatly by these unique neighbourhoods, I felt it was important to document my surroundings and present the ways in which I perceive the culture and traditions that were instilled in me from a young age. The idea of highlighting the effects that the ‘Montreal Italian’ has had on a larger scale, in these specific communities, has always appealed to me. Along with the theme of ‘domesticity,’ which acted as the driving force behind this year-long project, I sought to highlight the contrasts of the areas, the remaining essence of the first generation immigrant. While this may result in a portrayal of a reality that is somewhat nostalgic or romanticized, it is meant to reflect a genuine appreciation of a side of the city that is slowly dissipating and still unknown to many.