Young people from Granton group take over Edinburgh billboards with self-portraits after being inspired by city exhibition

A group of young people from Granton have taken over city billboards after being inspired by a photography exhibition in one of Edinburgh’s most popular museums.

Nine members of youth work organisation Granton Youth have had their self-portrait photographs hung throughout billboards and posters in the city after attending creative workshops inspired by the Catherine Opie: To Be Seen exhibition, which is currently being shown at the National Gallery.

Working in partnership with National Galleries of Scotland and BUILDHOLLYWOOD Scotland, members of the youth group created their own self-portrait in a celebration of their identity in collaboration with artist Matthew Arthur Williams and supporting artist MV Brown.

Lily Duncan and Beda Rose from Granton Youth pose alongside their photographs, which are on display on billboards around Edinburgh | Nick Mailer Photography

The photographs were created over six creative sessions in a pop-up photography studio at The National gallery. Those taking part chose their own props and backdrops for their self-portrait.

The resulting images captured during the sessions are now on display across the city, including on billboards on Dundee Street at Fountainbridge, and Wishaw Terrace and London Road in Meadowbank.

Beda Rose, a participant from Granton Youth, said: “It’s amazing seeing the billboards.

“I think the photos are really artistic and it’s not just photos of people doing nothing. It shows photos of people in a way that deserves to be shown.”

Members of Granton Youth worked alongside artist Matthew Arthur Williams (pictured) and supporting artist MV Brown to create their self-portraits. | Nick Mailer Photography

Holly Yeoman, community development officer at the National Galleries of Scotland, said: “It's really important for young people's voices to be heard and for them to be seen.

“We're living in complex times, and to be able to use the Catherine Opie exhibition as an opportunity to bring young people of different ages and backgrounds together to discuss topics of identity, self-expression, friendship and family through creativity is meaningful.

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“Now, these works are in the public, and will catch the attention of people who might not know anything about Catherine Opie, Granton Youth and the National Galleries of Scotland, these intriguing portraits invite people into the worlds of young people and what it truly means 'to be seen.'

“Catherine Opie has been really supportive of a project like this happening, as she knows how important it is to create space for sharing stories, creating connection, and the power of exploring this in through photography.”

Catherine Opie: To Be Seen will be shown at the Royal Scottish Academy building at the National Gallery on The Mound until Sunday, November 1.