WATCH: Artwork by Inverness art lecturer Frank To with Humanium Metal for Stockholm Forum of Peace and Development sold to former Prime Minister of Sweden Stefan Löfven
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AN Inverness art lecturer and internationally renowned artist presented his work at a prestigious peace forum, with the artwork being bought by a former prime minister.
Frank To, who is a lecturer at UHI Inverness, has recently showcased his artwork made from Humanium Metal – an alloy made from seized illegal firearms – at the 2022 Stockholm Forum of Peace and Development in late may.
The artwork he presented, a Humanium Metal drawing of the iconic Dove of Peace, was then acquired by the former Prime Minister of Sweden, Stefan Löfven.
Mr To 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 fire arms and how myself and IM can rid this man-made pandemic.
“Although I am recognised both nationally and internationally for my innovative drawing skills, it’s important that I used them in causes that is beyond self-gratification. I use my skills in art and drawing in a way that I can contribute to a better world- one without illegal firearms.”
The artist, who has invented a way to harness a new colour pigment from Humanium Metal to create artworks made from illegal firearms, was invited by IM Swedish Development Partner, SIPRI and the Swedish Ministry of Foreign Affair to be presented at forum as the leading artist of transforming firearms into radical artwork.
He showcased his processes and research alongside his Humanium Metal drawing, which was presented to international leading experts of sustainability including international government officials and United Nation delegates. The piece was auctioned at the event with the proceeds being allocated back into developing countries’ communities affected by illegal gun violence.
Simon Marke Gran, Global Project Manager Humanium Metal by IM Swedish Development Partner said: “We are delighted that Frank To, through his art, is focussing the public’s eyes on our mutual message of peace. Just like Humanium Metal by IM, 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. Humanium Metal by IM was initiated in the spirit of goal 16 in Agenda 2030, recognizing how illegal firearms is undermining a sustainable and democratic development.”
Mr To has also recently achieved a double sell out at the latest exhibitions for the Royal Society of British Artists and the Society of Graphic Fine Arts at London’s Mall Galleries.
