Mother Glasgow

Discover the story behind Gerard’s ‘Mother Glasgow’ exhibition

‘Mother Glasgow’ is a celebration (via 15 oil-painted portraits) of multiculturalism within the city of Glasgow, and the essential role of women in our society.

In all of the various exhibitions I’ve been involved in, both here in Glasgow and around the world, I’ve used my portraits to tell stories… either about politicians, actors, individuals from the world of business and sport, or simply individuals who’ve come into my life for one reason or another.

In this case, each of these paintings and the subjects depicted has an important story to tell. Stories about the importance of immigration, of multiculturalism and the role of women in our society…

Stories which matter now more than ever in these increasingly polarised times.

words from Gerard…

Hi everyone. I thought it might be worth offering you a few words about this project, about what I hope to achieve, and why, basically, I’ve put this thing together for those who know my work.

You’ll be aware that I use paintings to tell stories, whether it be using objects symbolically in some of my larger figurative works, whether it be in my portraits themselves, where inevitably in the best of what I do. There’s a narrative embedded. And in this instance, I wanted to tell a story about Glasgow. I wanted to tell a story which celebrated multiculturalism within the city. And to do so, I decided to paint a series of portraits of women from around the world who have chosen to make the city their home.

Full transcript available here

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Now, I suppose your first instinct would be thinking about people who have come to the city recently, but that’s not the way that this has worked out.

For example, I have an amazing 87-year-old Italian lady called Gina Useabi who came to the city when she was 17 years of age.

I have, uh, a wonderful French ballet dancer. I have a Japanese violinist. It’s a remarkable group of women.

And I suppose interestingly, you know, I didn’t go out with some kind of a wishlist, you know. I simply allowed life to bring these women to me, which it has so much so that what initially was intended to be 12 portraits is now 16. And actually the reality is it could be 150, it could be 1,050.

For every one story that I’m hoping to tell, there are a thousand others. Lots of amazing things have happened along the way.

As well as the opportunity to paint a portrait properly, you have to get to know a person. So I’ve had the opportunity to enter into the lives of, these individuals and, uh, amazing stories about their journey to the city and about their experience since they came. But one of the most amazing things, which has unexpectedly come about is that we have been offered space on these huge digital billboards, which you’ll see throughout the city. And you may actually have already seen the first of the portraits of Gina Usbi, which went up a couple of weeks ago. I mean, just amazing.

The opportunity to do that in itself, really an art Project. The idea is that these paintings will inhabit the city between now and the exhibition launch in March next year.

Just amazing. The plan is that we, the portraits, will change every two weeks. We’ll put a new one up. I don’t have all of them finished yet, so we’re working with the ones we have. And as new portraits come out of the studio, then they’ll feed on, um, right up to the opening of the exhibition. The hope is that the exhibition will run in various different locations for the whole of 2026,

But initially, it will be in the Mitchell Library. This is all in time to coincide with International Women’s Day next year, which is on the 8th of March. So the paintings will be going into the Mitchell on the ninth. There’s a media launch a couple of days before.

But basically that’s the start of the exhibition. And again, Glasgow life has been amazing. Uh, they’ve given me the space. They understand what I’m trying to do, and the idea that the paintings will be in a place where people are, I think, is just amazing.

Anyway, as they say, keep an eye on the billboards. Keep an eye on the website and watch this space.

painting 1

Gina Eusebi

“Gina Eusebi was born in 1942 in the hilltop village of Castelforte, Southern Italy — the eldest of four, a gifted seamstress by thirteen, and fluent in Italian, Portuguese, and French. From her family she learned the spirit of cucina povera: nothing wasted, everything treasured. Food, for Gina, was never just sustenance — it was memory, healing, and love.

Her journey carried her far from home — first to São Paulo, then Lyon, and finally to Glasgow. At just nineteen, she stepped off the train at Central Station carrying her trousseau: a suitcase filled with hand-embroidered sheets and linens, lovingly prepared by her mother as a blessing for married life. Waiting to meet her was her father-in-law, ready to collect her in the family ice cream van.

Gina made Glasgow her home. She learned English behind the counter of a café in Partick, adapted to a new culture, and, with her husband Eddie, opened a small East End deli. From its shelves came homemade pasta, bread, and lasagne — food that brought comfort and connection to everyone who walked through the door.
Today, her story lives on through Eusebi Deli & Restaurant in Glasgow’s West End, where the values she carried with her — food, family, life, and passion — remain at the heart of every table.”

“Italy gave me roots. Glasgow opened its heart to me and gave me a home.”

Gina Euseibi (oil on canvas 80 x80cm)

Full Interview with Gina Eusebi

Gina’s interview takes place in Eusabi’s Deli on Gibson Street in Glasgow’s West End.

Gina’s daughter, Giovanna, helps Gina tell her story of how she came to be in Glasgow and her journey until now. Watch and discover more about her family, her love for food, and her affection for Glasgow.

painting 2

Juliet Isioma Ojeogwu

Juliet Isioma Ojeogwu was born in 1982 in Nigeria. She decided to move to Glasgow on the 4th of April 2022.

Three years ago, Juliet was convinced she needed to move to a different place, perhaps even a different country. After checking the weather online, she felt content with the decision to come to Scotland, to Glasgow, but she was completely unaware of the way of life in Glasgow. Now, however, Juliet no longer sees Glasgow as just a place to live; over time, it has truly become her home.

“This has actually been a complete honour and privilege, to be perfectly honest. Juliet was our first international nurse, who came over from Nigeria, and she landed on our doorstep. And she was, like, a startled rabbit when she got here.

But she has completely and utterly blossomed into the most amazing, phenomenal nurse. And we really would be lost without her in Ward 8. And so it was absolutely 100% no-brainer. We had to nominate Juliete for this special project, and it’s just blown me away to see this. It is just absolutely stunning. It really is. What a genius you are, Gerard.”

– Susan, Ward Sister

Juliet Isioma Ojeogwu (oil on canvas 80 x 130cm)

Juliets Unveiling of Her ‘Mother Glasgow’ Painting

The unveiling of Juliet’s painting took place at the hospital where she works as an NHS Staff Nurse.

Gerard had the honour of presenting it, surrounded by Juliet’s fellow nurses and colleagues.

It was a special and emotional moment, and, as Gerard says in this film, it truly is the secret sauce of what I do.

painting 3

Ranjit Kaur

Ranjit Kaur is a Sikh woman from the village of Jandiala in the Jalandhar district of the Panjab, the north-west of India. She has lived in the UK since the early 1980s and in Glasgow since around 1990.

Ranjit grew up working alongside her brothers and sisters on the family farm in the Panjab, helping to plant seeds, grow vegetables and fruit, milk cows and buffaloes and of course at the same time learning to make fresh Panjabi food.

Ranjit’s love for cooking came at an early age, and she learnt all of the basics from her mum and elders. When she married and moved to the UK, Ranjit brought her passion for cooking and food with her. For Ranjit, it was a way to remember the war, the sweet smells and tastes of the Panjab, as she acclimatised to her new way of life here in the UK.

Ranjit’s Kitchen signifies a journey from the Panjab to Glasgow and is a collection of memories, tastes, ideas and flavours that have developed over many decades. It is a family-run business with Ranjit’s children helping to turn their mother’s lifelong dream into a reality.

Ranjit Kaur (oil on canvas 60 x 60cm)

painting 4

Claire Souet

My name is Claire, a Frenchwoman who has proudly made Scotland my home. Thirteen years ago, dance brought me to this beautiful country, and I’ve never looked back. I’m now a ballet dancer with Scottish Ballet, an inspiring company filled with incredible people who have become my Scottish family.

I have a deep love for the wilderness and the great outdoors here. Whether it’s standing on top of a Munro, swimming in a loch, or toasting marshmallows by a fire, these moments in nature bring me so much happiness. The landscapes of Scotland never fail to amaze me.

In December, I became the proud mother of little Olive. Motherhood has filled my life with joy, and I embrace the challenge of balancing the roles of dancer and parent. It’s a journey I approach with love, curiosity, and excitement for all that lies ahead.

Claire Souet (oil on canvas 70 x 100cm)