Govanhill: Opening Reception at Macrobert Arthouse

Join Simon in the Arthouse at the Macrobert Art Centre, University of Stirling, for the opening of his exhibition, Govanhill, as part of the Stirling Photography Festival, Beyond 2025 programme.

This is an opportunity to meet and talk with Simon about his acclaimed long-term project and to view a selection of work he has created over the past two decades.

About Govanhill

Dubbed Glasgow's "Ellis Island", Govanhill has traditionally been a place where immigrants "arrive" in Glasgow and eventually move on from. It is estimated that 88 languages are spoken in the densely populated area of only 0.33 square miles. It's a mixing pot of cultures and ethnicities.

These differences have contributed to tension within the community, people often fear what is unfamiliar to them and worry about how change might impact on their own lives but it's also these cultural differences that help make Govanhill one of the most diverse and exciting places in the city.

Simon’s project consists mainly of street portraiture, individuals who live and pass through the area. Whenever Simon approaches a new subject, a degree of fear is present in himself, but he knows well that pushing beyond that barrier can result in new friendships and incredible experiences.

The portraits are composed in a very direct way with the subject holding direct eye contact. The message?

“This is me, this is who I am, look at me, try to understand me, we are not so different".Phot

First exhibited at Street Level Photoworks, from October 2023 until January 2024 to great acclaim, this edit from that collection comes to the Macrobert Arts Centre as part of the Beyond 2025 Stirling Photography Festival.

" The project is a celebration of people and community but photographed with a raw reality. A portrait of circumstance, hope and aspiration. In this sense, Murphy’s work is in a strong humanistic tradition of documentary photography, amplifying the values of dignity, equality and tolerance. It is equally humanitarian in its celebration of the area, in amplifying a sense of pride to the residents and allowing the images to trigger conversation." Street Level Photoworks

Photo credit Beth Murphy

About Simon

Simon is an award-winning photographer and lecturer at Glasgow Kelvin College. His work ranges from portraits of the Dalai Lama to musicians such as Noel Gallagher, Paolo Nutini and Primal scream’s Bobby Gillespie. He also shoots human interest stories that have taken him to countries such as Bangladesh, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia and Colombia.

Simon’s personal project documenting the diverse community of Govanhill for the last 16 years has won numerous awards including The Scottish Portrait Awards, The Sony World Photography Prize, Portrait of Humanity and The Bartur Photo Award.

Instagram : @smurph77

Macrobert Arts Centre and Access

We are delighted to be hosted again this year by our friends at the Macrobert Arts Centre.

Parking is available on campus and there are Accessible parking spaces available close to the main doors. Parking is free up to two hours and after 1800 on weekdays and thereafter parking fees are payable. {aring on Saturdays and Sundays is free.

Buses run regularly from Stirling bus station to the university campus

Trains run to Bridge of Allan Station which is situated about a 30 minute walk from campus.

Cycle routes frem Stirling are well marked and there are bike sheds at the Macrobert.

More information on accessibility to the venue is available here and you can plan your route using this link.