Alumnus Frank’s illegal firearms artwork breaks new ground

Award-winning University of Huddersfield fine art graduate and social activist Frank To is to exhibit publicly the first-ever artwork to be made from illegal firearms.

His new drawing titled ‘Imagine’ is made from Humanium Metal, an alloy created by the melting down of illegal guns and other weapons. It will be on display and for sale at the forthcoming Society of Graphic Fine Art exhibition in Mall Galleries in central London from 6 to 10 July.

Frank was commissioned by IM Swedish Development Partner in 2020 to create an artwork using a new paint colour he has made from Humanium Metal powder with a pen – one of just 500 in the world – also made from the alloy. All proceeds from the sale will go towards supporting survivors and gun-violence prevention schemes worldwide.

After the weapons are melted down, a bar weighing around 4kg – roughly equivalent to two AK47 rifles – is created. It contains copper, steel and nickel, and Frank has used this to make a finely-ground powder to form the basis of the paint. Working with Humanium Metal comes with its own risks – breathing in nickel can cause severe health problems including organ failure, so Frank has to work while covered in PPE.

His new work features a bumble bee and has been drawn on handmade paper using Humanium Metal paint and gunpowder. Frank has long been interested in creating works from materials usually associated with violence to promote a humanitarian message.

“I view this piece as a breakthrough in combining social activism and art together,” he says. “For me, the whole experience of working with Humanium Metal and taking a moral stance shows how art can accommodate these and promote that message of peace to a wider audience in new ways.”

Frank graduated from BA (Hons) Fine Art Painting and Drawing in 2004 and is now Contemporary Art Practice Lecturer at Inverness College UHI (University of the Highlands and Islands). He has previously collaborated with Swedish watch manufacturer TRIWA and IM Swedish Development Partner on a limited edition of watches made from Humanium Metal, but the practical nature of his studies at Huddersfield continues to play a significant role in his art and work now.

“I was taught by real artists who came from London to teach us during the week, then go home again on a weekly basis. Matthew Borrows, Simon Burton and Steve Swindell were professional artists who knew their graft about physically practising in the art world. Matthew and Simon taught us how to make our own paints and other art materials – everything was done by hand.

“We were taught hard graft, it was a raw teaching experience but they taught as artists teaching students and the full hands-on experience that was applicable in the real world. It’s still relevant today and I appreciate my time there.”

The Society of Graphic Fine Art - The Drawing Society - is the only national society in the UK dedicated exclusively to drawing. Founded in 1919, the Society promotes fine drawing skills in both traditional and contemporary media. Today the society has more than 130 elected members across Britain.