Karen Gordon: Engaging Pictures at Kelvingrove
Engaging Pictures is a small but powerful exhibition of portraits by Scottish photographer Karen Gordon, each one telling a story of migration, identity, and belonging. These are portraits that stay with you, not just for their beauty, but because they remind us how humans have far more in common than we do differences.
Commissioned by Migrant Voice in 2013, the project brought together Scots and migrants to create ten images that promote better dialogue around migration in Scotland. The portraits were displayed in community centres, educational institutions and even the Scottish Parliament. Seeing them in Kelvingrove gave them a different kind of visibility, and a new context.
Gordon’s practice focuses on marginalised and under-represented groups. She has said that portraiture offers her a way into people’s lives and stories. These ten portraits are a potent reminder of the value of looking closely and listening carefully. I’ve included four here that particularly stood out to me:
Geoff Palmer, Grain Scientist and Historian, 2013
At 14, Geoff travelled alone from Jamaica to London to join his mother. He became the first Black professor in Scotland, was knighted in 2014, and continues to campaign for recognition of Scotland’s links to slavery.
Hing Fung Teh, Tai Chi Instructor, 2013
Born in Malaysia of Chinese ancestry, Hing Fung Teh moved to the UK in 1973 and now runs a popular Tai Chi practice in Glasgow. There’s a calm poise to this image, a quiet strength that seems central to her story.
Robyn Marsack, Director of the Scottish Poetry Library (2000–2016), 2013
Originally from New Zealand, Robyn came to the UK in 1973 and has lived in Glasgow since 1987. She’s a writer, editor, and long-time literary advocate. I loved seeing a poetry figure included, a reminder that migration also shapes our cultural and intellectual lives.
Mahdi, Football Coach, 2013
A former youth player on Iran’s national team, Mahdi moved to Glasgow, played semi-professionally, and studied Football Studies at college. He’s since worked with Achieve More Scotland, supporting children with disabilities and young people from deprived areas.
Next to Gordon’s portraits, another exhibition by Migrant Voice — Putting Ourselves in the Picture — showcased images created by migrants themselves. It was a valuable contrast, showing what changes when people are the authors of their own stories.
If you can’t make it to Kelvingrove to see the images, you can explore the project in full here.