Govanhill…As I See It – Photography Exhibition

Govanhill…As I See It – Photography Exhibition was a culmination of film photos of people, places and buildings that bring the people of Govanhill joy and capture the spirit of their neighbourhood.

By Samar Jamal | Photos by Ali Bruce, Chiara Pezzani, Martyna Maz, Sean McGarvey and Usma Ashraf 

The Govanhill… As I See It - Community Photography Exhibition was shown as part of this year’s Govanhill Festival. Rather than being out of sight in a gallery space, it was displayed on the large windows above The Deep End on Nithsdale Road. 

The display is a culmination of film photos of people, places and buildings that bring the photographer joy and capture the spirit of their neighbourhood in Govanhill.

The project was led by Culture Collective artist Jude Mckechnie and photographer Martyna Maz. For Jude, the project was a way to give autonomy to the people who live in Govanhill and allow their perspective of the neighbourhood to be centred.

The exhibition was on display as part of the Govanhill International Festival & Exhibition, but first began back in spring when 17 participants were given a disposable camera and a simple brief; to capture photos that communicate the unique and vibrant aspects of their surroundings. The brief was subjective as Jude wanted the participants to interact with it in their personal way but hoped they would come out of it more attuned to the good things around them, she explains. 

Inclusivity was also an important factor for Jude: “There are obviously so many different languages spoken in Govanhill, so this was about being inclusive and capturing something that everyone could partake in but without necessarily having to articulate it.” 

Using disposable film cameras, instead of digital ones was a way to make the project affordable but it also granted a more intimate experience for the participants. Martyna explains:

It’s almost like blind drawing where you need to feel into the place and we aren’t even aware of it as it's happening. But it comes through us at the time we click. We can analyse it and dissect it but it’s really about being in the body and experiencing things for ourselves.

For Chiara, a new resident, the project provided an avenue to explore her new home:

It makes you think that there is more than everyday life, eating and sleeping. Especially if you’re a newcomer. These projects help you go out and meet new people and socialise and that was really important for me.

The exhibition was a way to ensure positive community collaboration with residents and Jude hopes there will be more of this in the future: “I’d like to see more projects where the people are involved in a grassroots way where they can take ownership of the projects themselves. I like the idea that it is quite self-directed.” 

The final part of the project will be returning the photos to the participants. For Jude having physical photos is precious and also allows us to cherish experiences in a more connected way.

Look out for future projects at Culture Collective by visiting the website.