THE former prime minister of Sweden has bought a piece of artwork from a Scottish artist, which is made from illegal firearms seized from conflict zones.
Glasgow-based artist Frank To created the piece using humanium metal, which is made from melting down guns recovered from weapons destruction programmes in regions affected by armed violence.
Stefan Lövfen, who was Swedish prime minister from 2014 to 2021, bought the piece at an auction during the Stockholm Forum of Peace and Development.
The proceeds of the auction will go towards communities afflicted by illegal gun violence in developing countries.
Falkirk-born To made the piece from a colour pigment extracted from the metal, a technique he claims to have invented himself.
The artwork depicts a dove which, To says, transforms a material once used for violence into a symbol for peace.
He said: “It is indeed an honour for the former prime minister of Sweden to have my humanium metal artwork.
“Someone of his calibre and social activism resolve definitely helps my cause of addressing the issue of illegal firearms.”
The artist was invited to the event by the development organisation IM Swedish Development Partner (IMSDP), the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, and the Swedish Ministry of Foreign Affairs as the leading artist to transform weapons into radical pieces of art.
Simon Marke Gran, global project manager for humanium metal at IMSDP, said: “We are delighted that Frank To, through his art, is focusing the public’s eyes on our mutual message of peace.
“Just like humanium metal, Frank To turns destructive elements into symbols for peaceful development, inspiring people to join hands to find a solution to one of the world’s greatest problems – armed violence.”
The award-winning artist’s work is also set to appear at two upcoming exhibitions in London’s Mall Galleries, where his work has already sold out.
He added: “I never really expected the new gunpowder colour series to be this successful.
“It’s important as an artist and being Scottish that I represent Scotland in these events and highlight its position in contemporary art especially within drawing. That’s my obligation.”
