Frank To: Scottish artist’s unique work addresses gun violence in Sweden
A SCOTS artist will address Sweden’s growing problems with gun violence by showcasing his latest creation – the world’s first pastels created with an alloy made from destroyed illegal firearms – in Stockholm.
Frank To, who is based in Dennistoun, Glasgow, has worked in collaboration with a Swedish partner for the past three years to develop the metal, called Humanium.
The exhibition Armed Art opens at the Museum of Photography in Stockholm after the city registered 19 deaths with weapons this year, out of a total of 26 dead throughout the country in August. Last year, the country registered 366 shootings that resulted in 47 deaths.
To, who is 39, was born in Falkirk, graduated from the University of Huddersfield with a BA (Hons) Fine Art and took a Masters of Fine Art from Duncan from Jordanstone Art College in Dundee.
His work is in collections at the universities of Dundee, Highlands and Islands, Cambridge and Huddersfield, as well as Walter Scott and Partners, Deloitte, Perth Museum and Art Gallery and Minecraft.
Tos’ unique powder technology gives him international recognition as a leading contemporary artist, and one of his most famous collectors is the actor Sir Patrick Stewart, of Star Trek fame.
“It is very important that I, as an activist against illegal gun violence, try to do my part to deal with this artificial pandemic,” To said.
“By being physically involved in the very process of transforming an object that was used to kill people into something that can be used to deal with and hopefully give a voice in the campaign against illegal gun violence then I know I have done my duty as a decent man.
“I am very honored to have my Humanium metal pastels make their first international debut at the Museum of Photography, where they will be used by community and internationally renowned artists and supported by members of the Swedish government in the Armed Art event.
“As a Scottish artist, it is crucial that I represent Scotland’s shared views on addressing and being proactive in the destruction of illegal weapons, in particular weapons.
“I just hope these pastel weapons are the first steps into a world without illegal firearms.”