Article

Alongside Morwenna Kearsley’s workshops on her Govanhill Culture Collective projects as part of Belfast Exposed inspiring conference ‘Healing Through Photography’ examining the use of photography to support mental health, an exhibition of 17 works from the FONDS series is on at Arts for All until the end of April. Greater Govanhill have a call out for participation in FONDS II asking local people to 'Share an Object for new Photography Project Telling Stories from Govanhill's Communities' 

FONDS is comprised of colour still life photographs and each image represents an evocative object belonging to a local resident of Govanhill, a multi-ethnic, multi-lingual neighbourhood on the Southside of Glasgow. In collaboration with a local community newspaper, Greater Govanhill Magazine, local residents were invited to share an object that meant something special to them. 

Morwenna photographed each object on a large format camera using a long exposure of 8 minutes, the perfect amount of time for a short interview. From Kuwait to Brazil, Afghanistan to Romania the objects featured represent stories of migration, transformation, love, and resilience. 

Alongside creating a vibrant photographic archive of these objects, the project underscores our human desire to share stories, connect and learn from each other's cultures. The project was originally exhibited in local shops and cafes, was featured in Greater Govanhill Magazine and the participant's stories were also broadcast on a local radio station.

Morwenna’s residency through Street Level Photoworks continues in Govanhill and other features of her participatory work in the project includes the establishment of a photography group for women who have navigated the asylum system, projects with Roma youth, and a local school.

Greater Govanhill's call out for the second leg of FONDS is here

Results from the new FONDS series will be shared via Greater Govanhill and Street Level Photoworks.

Check out the video made by Greater Govanhill below