Capturing Glasgow's Diverse Blend of Cultures Through Stunning Photos

Simon Murphy, an award-winning photographer, captured a striking street portrait in the diverse community of Govanhill in Glasgow. The photograph features a girl with a cat around her neck, whom Murphy encountered on Victoria Road. Intrigued by the girl's unique accessory, he asked her where she was going and discovered she was heading to Farmfoods. Murphy then located her home, spoke to her mother, and set up his camera to create the portrait. Govanhill is known for its cultural diversity, with an estimated 88 languages spoken in the area. It has been compared to New York's Ellis Island, serving as a point of arrival for immigrants seeking a better life in Glasgow. Murphy has a personal connection to the community, as his grandmother moved there in the 1970s. Murphy's street portrait project in Govanhill began in 2016, and he has spent over two decades capturing images of the residents and passersby. He selects his subjects based on their visual appeal, such as an interesting hairstyle or unique appearance. Throughout the Covid lockdown, he even created a window trail exhibition featuring 25 images. One of Murphy's celebrated photographs features a woman named Paisley, whom he met in McDonalds. She wore a camouflage jacket and had striking hair. Another subject, Sara, caught Murphy's attention with her oversized fur coat, which turned out to belong to her mother. Murphy has become so ingrained in the community that he has photographed some individuals on multiple occasions. Murphy's portraits hold great significance to the community members. For example, Eliza, the girl with the cat, treasured a photograph of herself with her beloved missing pet. Tattoo artist Scott was initially hesitant to pose but eventually agreed, showcasing his soft side through a tattoo of the word "family" above his eye. Performance artist Seamus, whom Murphy encountered twice, first lost his costumes in a fire and then appeared dressed as a giant rat. The exhibit at Street Level Photoworks in Trongate, Glasgow, features over 150 black and white portraits showcasing the people of Govanhill. Murphy's preference for film photography, specifically medium format film, adds a timeless quality to his images. He hopes that through his work, people will feel proud and represented. The exhibition will run until January 27th.