Govanhill

The images that form the project “Govanhill” are in many ways a portrait of the place. Govanhill is a small area of only 1 square mile, located in Glasgow’s Southside, and one of Scotland’s most deprived and multicultural areas. Govanhill is the constituency of Nicola Sturgeon, Scotland’s first minister. Over 88 languages are spoken within the community. Simon murphy has been documenting the area for many years through a series of mainly street portraiture but also with landscape and still life images. Simon aims to give an insight into the diverse and vibrant area of the city. Up to now, the images have only been available through a limited edition newspaper that Simon publishes and distributes free around the shops and café’s in the area. “The idea is that to get hold of a newspaper, people have to come in to Govanhill and find one. I post clues on my Instagram page (smurph77). While in Govanhill the individual might buy a coffee or a record, contributing a little to the local economy, or perhaps change pre- conceived ideas that have been formed due to negative publicity” “The project is about community and diversity. Govanhill is not without it’s problems but it’s also a place where people come together and share culture and experience. It’s an exciting place that I love and where I have many connections” “My images have always been about celebrating diversity and seeing beauty in our differences. Sometimes it's important to ask yourself difficult questions and photography has the power to trigger thoughts in minds that can lead to change"