Bran Symondson: "I am deeply committed to hope and optimism. I believe that in every ugly or violent situation, there is always a moment of beauty untouched by the ugliness."
British artist Bran Symondson is recognised as one of the most important reportage photographers of the century and is famous for his artworks that show the human side of military conflicts. Symondson took captivating and extraordinarily raw photographs of civilians during his deployment with the British Army in Afghanistan and created poetic and conceptually charged sculptural works, such as guns decorated with butterflies or dollar notes in his iconic Spoils of War series. The artist is interested in transforming means of destruction and violence into objects of grace, beauty and hope through his pioneering practice.
(Source: Maddox (2021). "Bran Symondson". Maddox Gallery. Archived from the original on 28 October 2021. Retrieved 13 July 2024)
Restoration treatment consisted of repair, retouching and replacement of broken butterflies.
Photo by the author, Berlin (2021)