Oil portrait paintings of women from diverse cultural backgrounds are appearing across digital out-of-home screens in Glasgow as part of a public art campaign for International Women’s Day.
The campaign, displayed on screens operated by Ocean Outdoor, features large-format images of 15 women who live and work in the city. The portraits are based on photorealistic oil paintings created by Scottish artist Gerard M Burns.
Over the past several months, the artworks have appeared across Ocean’s roadside and city-center DooH network, highlighting personal stories about immigration, multiculturalism, and the role of women in modern society. The portraits are part of a broader project called Mother Glasgow, which brings the women together in a single exhibition.
The women featured come from a wide range of professions including business, healthcare, the arts, engineering, media, and community work. Many moved to Glasgow from other countries and have built careers and families in the city.
Participants include violinist Maya Iwabuchi of the Royal National Scottish Orchestra, Scottish Ballet dancer Claire Souet, nurse Juliet Isioma Ojeogwy, restaurateur Ranjit Kaur of Ranjit’s Kitchen, and Professor Tuleen Boutaleb, vice dean of the School of Science and Engineering at Glasgow Caledonian University.
Marc Keenan, managing director of Ocean Scotland, said the campaign highlights the people shaping modern Glasgow.
“This project highlights the stories and spirit of the women who define our great city,” he said. “I can’t think of a better way to celebrate these role models and Gerard’s paintings than across our estate.”