Simon Paul Murphy
Simon Murphy, Glasgow, Scotland, UK.
Photographer, Lecturer, Chair of the Scottish Portrait Awards.
Simon’s career has enabled him to travel extensively documenting human interest stories in countries such as Bangladesh, Democratic republic of Congo, Rwanda and Cambodia. His portraiture subjects range from individuals such as the Dalai Lama to musicians and actors including Noel Gallagher and John Hurt. Simon’s is an award winning photographer with accolades including: The Bartur award, Sony World Photography Award, and the BJP “Portrait of Britain and Portrait of Humanity”. Simon’s book “Govanhill” was published in 2023. Simon’s personal work celebrates subjects such as diversity and humanity. His project “Govanhill” forms what he refers to as a “Portrait of the Place”, aiming to give an insight into one of Scotland’s most diverse but deprived areas. “The project is about community and diversity. Govanhill is not without its problems, but it’s
also a place where people come together and share culture and experience.”
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.”
“Govanhill” published by Gomma Books 2023.
BBC documentary: The Culture Scene 2023. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X5-KnML99iI
Major Exhibition. “Govanhill” Street Level Photoworks. https://www.streetlevelphotoworks.org/event/simon_murphy_govanhill
