Art work by Inverness artist using Humanium Metal derived from illegal firearms is bought by University of Cambridge
Art work created by an Inverness art lecturer using upcycled firearms has been bought by the University of Cambridge.
The work, by internationally-renowned Frank To, is derived from Humanium Metal – a brand of metal made by melting down illegal firearms seized in conflict zones.
Mr To, an art and designer lecturer at UHI Inverness, says he has a duty to try and make the world a better place through his art.
He unveiled his work – called Peace on the Quay – in the Junior Parlour of Pembroke College at Cambridge.
The Humanium Metal project is transforming illegal firearms seized in governmental weapons destruction programmes in regions affected by armed violence into non-lethal commodities for peace.
The income generated is re-invested into communities affected by gun violence and aims to break the vicious cycle of violence and poverty.
As part of the project, Mr To was commissioned to create a new paint colour using Humanium Metal powder and to create artwork to be sold to raise funds for projects supporting survivors and violence-prevention programmes.
His work, Peace on the Quay, depicts the venue where he took part in a presentation during the UN climate conference, COP26, held in Glasgow in 2021.
"I feel very honoured and privileged that a university such as Cambridge – one of the oldest universities – has taken an an interest in my research and my social activism," he said.
"It has given me hope that the younger generation are now more in line for social justice and human rights in whatever form that comes – whether it is an academic paper or artwork.
"I feel as an artist, I have a duty to try and make the world a better place and that is by using Humanium Metal to make art work."
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Mr To has also been unconditionally accepted into the Society of Graphic Fine Art - The Drawing Society annual exhibition at Mall Galleries in London with his new gunpowder piece entitled, King of Fishers.
It will be exhibited in London from mid March.
