Govanhill

First Prize Winner: 'This captivating body of work impressed the whole jury, as it very intimately, yet artistically captures the essence of a multicultural area of Glasgow and its residents: Govanhill. The ongoing project shows the trust and bond a photographer and his “models” must form to create moving and expressive pictures. Black and white portraits are a sensitive subject to capture without it looking staged or over the top and Simon managed to execute it brilliantly; the lives and struggles of Govanhills people have stories to tell and these photographs introduce them in a beautiful and timeless way.' Gomma«Govanhill is an area in Glasgow's southside that is the constituency of Scotland's first minster, Nicola Sturgeon. Simon Murphy has been documenting the area for several years with the resulting images forming a "Portrait of the Place", aiming to give an insight into one of Scotland's most diverse but deprived areas. Govanhill has gained a bad reputation over the years but much of this can be attributed to fear and lack of understanding of different cultures. Due to cheap accommodation, 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 but also 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.» Simon Murphy