FONDS II: Share an Object for new Photography Project Telling Stories from Govanhill’s Communities
After the success of last year’s exhibition around Govanhill, we are delighted to be re-running the ‘FONDS: Objects Speak Louder Than Words’ project, in collaboration with photographer Morwenna Grace. Do you have a special object that you’d like to share?
Last summer, we create FONDS: Objects Speak Louder Than Words, a project which celebrated the people and communities of Govanhill through the objects that we hold dear. The project took the form of a photography exhibition and accompanying radio show and video.
It was a collaborative project between Greater Govanhill, Thriving Places Govanhill, working with photographer Morwenna Kearsley, Govanhill’s artist in residence through Street Level Photoworks Culture Collective programme.
We photographed people's objects against colourful backdrops using an innovative technique with a 4x5 inch view camera, shooting the images on colour film. Instead of using traditional lighting techniques, Morwenna used a darkened studio and a moving torch to light the image over an eight minute exposure. The end result is a shimmering silky striking look.
We displayed the images in shop/cafe windows as an inclusive outside exhibition. As we photographed the objects, we recorded interviews with the owners of the objects. These resulted in really intimate interviews that told the stories of family, connection and community. We used the interviews to create postcards and featured some clips in a radio show which also included music choices of participants.
Listen to the radio show that we created as part of the project here
We’re thrilled to announce that, with funding from The National Lottery Community Fund we are running part two of the project this year. Last year objects included, a pair of high heels from Ukraine, a teddy bear from New York, a hand-sewn purse from Palestine, a glittery guitar pedal, a framed certificate, a toy wooden snake, and so much more.
Is there something that means something to you? It could be a valuable heirloom or a found lucky charm. What do you keep safe, and what makes it special?
Let us know and get involved here.
We asked participants how it felt to see their objects on display in the exhibition. Comments we received back included:
“I felt like a celebrity! I've found a lot of my friends took home the postcards of my Snuggle and I didn't know that, so when I'm at their homes, I see him hanging on their fridge or laying out on a table and I just love it.”
“I felt a sense of pride and being part of a community that cherishes and respects my identity and heritage.”
“I felt really emotional. it was very empowering to see my hearing aids as something beautiful for other people. my daughter loved walking round the streets reading the stories and finding her own. the stores were wonderful, we visited both and they even gave us free coffee and cakes. fostered beautiful conversations in the community and we talked with customers about our objects and the others that wre meaningful.”
Participants who took part last year all said they’d recommend getting involved:
“When I read all of the different stories attached to the objects it made me proud to be part of the project, as well as proud to be a resident of this community (Govanhill). So many interesting people live here, and this project helped to shine a light on some of those lives.”
“It can give you a really strong sense of wellbeing to share memories about personal items. At least that was my experience.”
”Yes, I would recommend people to share, because these stories are important. Many of the objects highlighted not only the positive things but also the things we have lost and things that we are longing for. It's important that we don't shy away from these things.”