Symbols of Peace on the World’s Most Infamous Firearm with AK47 Artist, Bran Symondson #62
The AK47 is one of the most recognisable firearms in human history. Through his artwork and experiences, Bran Symondson is altering what it’s recognised for.
An artist, photographer and entrepreneur with military experience, his work challenges perceptions through his emotive photos and intricately adorned, decommissioned weapons - each a rousing anti-war statement.
It’s a privilege to unpack Bran’s creative mind, and detail the experiences that influence his work, on this week's episode of Extrology.
Lee and Bran discuss:
Bran’s introduction to the wilder disciplines of photography
Military experiences, and the opportunities to document his journey
Messages and motives rife throughout Bran’s AK47 work
Art’s opportunity to become a voice for global issues
The impact of the digitisation and democratisation of art
Links & references
Lee Cooper: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leecooperrecruiter/
Bran Symondson: https://bransymondson.com/
https://www.instagram.com/bransymondson/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/bran-symondson-214bb275/
Battle Boutique: https://battleboutique.co/
https://www.instagram.com/battleboutique.co/
Get in touch: lee@extrology.com
Episode highlights:
“I was obsessed with Airfix models and Lego, making anything and photographing it as well. That was my first creative input.” - 5:30 - Bran Symondson
“I was into photography a long time before I thought I could actually make a career out of this. It wasn't really until I was having a pint with a new friend of mine, whose mate was a fashion photographer, that I registered the fact that you could do it as a career.” - 17:10 - Bran Symondson
“You want to photograph in a stressful situation? Do a wedding. Depending on the wedding, you can either melt into the background or you become their entertainment for the day.” - 29:35 - Bran Symondson
“I started noticing this character. They nicknamed him ‘The Chai Boy’. He was this effeminate guy, probably early teens, wore eyeliner, dyed his hands with henna, and would often adorn AK74s with flowers and pink stickers.” - 45:25 - Bran Symondson
“I’ve branched out to making artworks not just from AK47s now, but generally the narrative for most of my work is human rights or the environment.” - 58:30 - Bran Symondson
“Do whatever turns you on, don’t adhere to what other people say.” - 1:03:00 - Bran Symondson
“People think you can look at something and be inspired, but you get inspiration by putting your head in a certain place.” - 1:12:10 - Bran Symondson
“Stop trying to please everyone around you, and get on with your own life.” - 1:14:40 - Bran Symondson
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