Scrap shots

>> The Sanchez brothers turn sordid themes into high art

by GENEVIEVE PAIEMENT

In their search for engaging concepts, photographers Carlos and Jason Sanchez have explored some sordid themes in their time, from criminal mischief to dirty old men encouraging underage drinking. “We did an organized crime series where everything revolved around drugs and murder,” says Jason, 20.
“Then we did one about this girl who once told me that she used to drink whiskey with her principal in his office when she was 14 or 15,” Carlos, 25, explains. “Right away I thought this would make a great photo, with the concept bordering on pedophilia, an abuse of power situation.”
The Laval-based (“and loving it”), Concordia-going brothers have unearthed some rather eccentric folk along the way too. Like Dougie, a scrapyard worker they met when searching for a smashed car. “His office is an old school bus with a stove in it,” says Carlos. “He sells snacks out the back—he’s a real character.” How they ended up in the scrapyard in the first place is another story.
“We were looking through the garbage in Laval, looking for props to use,” says Jason. “So at the back of the community centre there’s an alcove with these windows where we thought people could be looking down, witnessing a car crash. Right away, we were like, ‘Nah, that’s impossible.’ But then, when you think about it, nothing’s impossible—you just need permission or money.” And that’s where good ol’ du Maurier cigarettes come in, with a little something that made it possible to buy a demolished car from Dougie and will help them in producing a show of their works in the spring.
“We got a nice du Maurier arts grant,” Carlos beams. “With that money, we’re making our dreams come true. It’s better than Club Med. So keep on puffing.” Jason pipes in: “Only du Maurier—king size.” :