Friend and frequent collaborator Shehab Illyas, a fellow Sri Lankan, one third of Halifax alt-pop trio Mir, and one half of the Halifax duo who run recording studio The Shire, also happens to be a talented photographer.

This collection, Commuter and Scooter, is a byproduct of his passion for Italian scooters, his preferred mode of transportation:

I have always had a fascination with the design aesthetics of Italian scooters. With the environmental realities city dwellers face in the present day, a growing number have turned to riding scooters as an alternate means of transportation to the four-wheeled automobile. Having acquired a scooter a few years ago, I discovered a small but tight-knit “scootering” community in Halifax. Although the people themselves came from a variety of backgrounds and lifestyles, they each formed strong connections with their scooters. To these people the scooter represented an expression of their identity; every subtle design nuance communicated a facet of their own personality and attitude. Riders of vintage scooters in particular went through great lengths to keep what to some may seem an impractical vehicle in good working order. A subculture of riders has emerged in pockets all over Canada, particularly in Nova Scotia. For these people, their vehicle of choice influences what clothes they wear, what music they listen to, amongst many other aspects of their daily lives.

This presentation explores the connection between classic Italian motor scooters and the people who ride them, and focuses on capturing the very personal bonds riders have with their scooters as an extension of themselves and their personality.

I had the opportunity to check the entire collection out in person at The Gallery at Fred (2606 Agricola Street in Halifax) a few weeks ago. It’s pretty great. The exhibit’s been extended for a few more weeks, I believe, so if you have the opportunity to check it out, I strongly suggest you do. If not, here’s a taste of what you’re missing:

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