• British Artist and Former Special Forces Soldier Bran to Present New London Exhibition Art to Disarm.
• Living Installation Features Ants Carrying Fragments of Dollar Bills Across an AK-47 Sculpture, Critiquing Capitalism and Destructive Systems
• Artworks Explore Humanity’s Role in Conflict, Environmental Degradation, and the Pursuit of Wealth.
• Exhibition Runs at HOFA Gallery, Mayfair, 7 – 20 February 2025.
'Wings of Resilience' © Artist Bran
LONDON, 7 February 2025: British artist, photographer and former Special Forces soldier, Bran, is set to present his latest solo exhibition Art to Disarm 2025 from 7–20 February 2025 at HOFA Gallery, Mayfair.
This new and compelling showcase explores the concept of ‘disarming’ both literally and metaphorically, inviting audiences to examine destructive systems and the intricate relationships between humanity, conflict, capitalism and environmental responsibility. By presenting a multi-dimensional exhibition including a living installation, sculptures and evocative photography, the artist presents a powerful and multi-dimensional critique of the systems that shape our world.
This new and compelling showcase explores the concept of ‘disarming’ both literally and metaphorically, inviting audiences to examine destructive systems and the intricate relationships between humanity, conflict, capitalism and environmental responsibility. By presenting a multi-dimensional exhibition including a living installation, sculptures and evocative photography, the artist presents a powerful and multi-dimensional critique of the systems that shape our world.
'Flight or Fight' Bronze Grenade, Edition 1. 2025, ©️ Artist Bran
The centrepiece of the new exhibition is a living installation titled The Colony (2025). Collaborating with myrmecologists, Bran introduces a living colony of leaf-cutting ants as active participants in the work. These ants, tasked with carrying fragments of dollar bills rather than leaves, navigate the surface of Bran’s signature AK-47 sculpture. This powerful tableau critiques humanity’s relentless pursuit of wealth and its detachment from the environmental costs of capitalism. By juxtaposing the natural instincts of the ants with the man-made symbol of destruction, Bran creates an unforgettable metaphor for modern society’s blind obedience to exploitative systems.
‘A Living Masterpiece, The Colony’ 2025, ©️ Artist Bran
Other highlighted works include Bran’s iconic deactivated AK-47 sculptures, adorned with real butterflies and currency, which return as a striking reminder of transformation and fragility. These pieces serve as a commentary on the intersection of power, beauty, and destruction. Alongside these sculptures, Bran unveils his latest photographic series, including Renaissance: Dead or Alive (2025). This diptych captures the haunting beauty of life and decay, showcasing the fleeting nature of organic life against the permanence of man-made tools of destruction. From lush coral-pink peonies to gold AK-47s, Bran’s still-life compositions echo the rich, painterly aesthetics of classical art while addressing deeply modern concerns.
‘Spoils of War Bullets’ 2025, ©️ Artist Bran.
Drawing from his military background and experiences in Afghanistan, Bran transforms decommissioned weapons into thought-provoking pieces that juxtapose symbols of violence with elements of beauty. His works serve as a powerful commentary on the destructive forces at play in modern society and the potential for transformation and redemption.
By reimagining symbols of destruction as vehicles for peace, Art to Disarm 2025 is a bold exploration of our shared responsibility to challenge harmful systems. Through evocative art and living installations, Bran highlights the urgent need for change, inspiring viewers to consider their role in creating a more harmonious future.
By reimagining symbols of destruction as vehicles for peace, Art to Disarm 2025 is a bold exploration of our shared responsibility to challenge harmful systems. Through evocative art and living installations, Bran highlights the urgent need for change, inspiring viewers to consider their role in creating a more harmonious future.
‘Macro Black Butterfly Wing’ 2025, ©️ Artist Bran
Bran’s ‘Macros Black Butterfly Wing’ photography is a breathtaking exploration of nature’s intricate beauty, pushing the boundaries of traditional photography into the realm of abstract art. Using a macro lens, Bran captures the delicate details of butterfly wings at an extraordinary level, revealing patterns, textures, and colours that are almost otherworldly. Each photograph transforms the familiar into something entirely new, inviting the viewer to see nature from a perspective rarely explored.
Bran, the artist says, “Art to Disarm invites us to confront the systems we uphold - whether rooted in violence, consumption, or exploitation - and to imagine a world driven by transformation rather than destruction. I hope these works spark reflection and encourage meaningful change in how we think, act and value what truly matters.”
ENDS
Exhibition Details
Art to Disarm: Free and open to the public daily.
Location: HOFA Gallery, 11 Bruton St, Mayfair, London W1J 6PY.
Dates: 7 – 20 February 2025.
Further Information: Bran
Press Contact:
Falon Mclean
falon@elobrands.com
+44 7515 136909
Notes to Editors:
About Bran
Bran is an internationally acclaimed artist known for transforming decommissioned AK-47 rifles into powerful symbols of peace and reflection. Drawing on his experience as a Special Forces soldier and war photographer, Bran uses his art to challenge societal norms and advocate for transformation over destruction. His work has been exhibited globally, captivating audiences with its bold, thought-provoking vision, collected by the likes of Dana White, Elton John and Prince of Bahrain.
Bran is an internationally acclaimed artist known for transforming decommissioned AK-47 rifles into powerful symbols of peace and reflection. Drawing on his experience as a Special Forces soldier and war photographer, Bran uses his art to challenge societal norms and advocate for transformation over destruction. His work has been exhibited globally, captivating audiences with its bold, thought-provoking vision, collected by the likes of Dana White, Elton John and Prince of Bahrain.