DISARMINGLY ART
By Olimpia Bellan
Uncovering the art of Bran Symondson
Bran Symondson’s journey from combat zones to the art world is a striking reinvention of purpose. After serving with the British Special Forces in Afghanistan, he began capturing the raw realities of war, but soon realised traditional photography could not express the full depth of his experience. Now, with his signature use of disarmed weapons, bullet casings, and conflict remnants, Bran transforms symbols of violence into powerful, thought-provoking art that challenges our perceptions of power, fear, and hope.
What brought you to the world of art?
My art journey was unconventional. Working as a photographer I then decided to test myself and join the British military. Having served with the British Special Forces in Afghanistan, it was during my time there that I began to document the world around me – he landscape, the people, and the paradoxes of war. What began as a visual diary quickly evolved into a deeper exploration of storytelling. Over time, I realised that traditional photography couldn’t fully express the complexities I wanted to convey. That’s when I began turning weapons into artworks. Disarming an AK-47 and transforming it into something beautiful and thought-provoking felt like a powerful metaphor. That’s where my journey into the art world truly began.
You often work with materials like bullet casings and remnants from conflict zones. What draws you to these objects, and how do you uncover the creative potential in them?
These objects represent some of the most emotionally and politically charged symbols of our time—conflict, power, fear, control. But they also hold incredible potential for transformation. When I take a bullet casing or a weapon and strip it of its original function, I’m creating a tension between what it was and what it has become. Embedding them with butterflies, currency, or gemstones allows a new story to emerge—one that critiques the past but also offers hope and the possibility for change.
Your art combines different media, from sculpture to photography. How does your choice of medium change depending on the message you want to convey?
I always let the story guide the medium. Sometimes a photograph captures a raw truth best, but in many cases, a physical sculpture—especially using weapons—creates a more immersive and confronting experience. Recently, I’ve been experimenting with macro photography of butterfly wings, as recently seen in my solo exhibition at HOFA Gallery in London, pushing my visuals into new, abstract realms. Working with different materials like bronze has also offered new perspectives and emotional textures. Whether it’s digital art, bronze, or a disarmed weapon, each medium helps express a different aspect of the narrative.
Upcoming projects?
2025 is shaping up to be a very full year. I’m currently booked up with private commissions—bespoke pieces that carry deep personal meaning for each collector, which I love because it allows for a close creative connection. I have several exhibitions coming up, including shows in Monaco, London, and the U.S. I’m also collaborating with brands across different industries—those will be announced later this year on my website.
I’m also continuing to push creative boundaries through immersive installations—such as my live ant colony piece, where leafcutter ants interacted with an AK-47 wrapped in dollar bills. It’s a reflection on power, consumption, and the natural order, told through an unexpected lens. For me, it’s all about delivering a powerful message, and as long as that remains the goal, I’ll keep exploring new mediums and unconventional formats. This year brings exciting opportunities to do just that.
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