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It promises to be a double-barrelled, blasting collaboration with legendary photographer Terry O’Neill and acclaimed artist Bran Symondson with Terry O’Neill

Hollywood has been graced by many iconic duos and it is therefore very apt that the work of renowned Hollywood star photographer Terry O’Neill has been reworked into a thought-provoking sequel by award-winning reportage photographer, and acclaimed artist – Bran Symondson.

HOFA Gallery and Annabel’s is delighted to be able to share the stunning synergies of these two accomplished photographers, bringing a breathtaking new angle on O’Neill’s amazing original black and white photographs from the 60s/70s era. The powerful shots feature legends such as Michael Caine and Brigitte Bardot holding guns and Symondson’s imagination has given O’Neill’s collection a second coming.

For those who are unfamiliar with Symondson’s photography portfolio, it serves as a vibrant quest to turn something of fear and loathing into something of beauty and intrigue, which he achieves with aplomb in this collaboration. His striking work famously features embellished AK47 guns and this new work bears even greater firepower by taking O’Neill’s most popular photos of armed celebrities and scattering them with real bullet holes and his signature butterflies.

‘Hollywood Reloaded Michael Caine’ by Bran Symondson, 2019 (76.2 cm x 101.6 cm)

Bran Symondson describes how and why he created these mesmerising pieces, “I sourced the ‘actual’ make and model of the guns Terry actually depicts in his images, and then physically shot through each on the reserve, to produce authentic bullet holes in the canvases. The idea of shooting through some of Terry O’Neill’s best work might sound unusual or even crazy, but I was ensnared with how guns are almost glamourised in these classic photographs.”

Symondson adds “The relationship between America and guns is obviously a very pertinent topic and this work gives both a flash back into the history of Hollywood’s fascination with gun wielding poses and also delivers my own message around choosing peace and beauty over war and hate.”

‘Hollywood Reloaded Michael Caine’ by Bran Symondson, 2019 (close up of bullet hole) 

To add another layer of insight into the inspiration behind the use of weapons of war, Symondson honed his shooting skills whilst training and serving as a soldier himself, which allowed him to skilfully, creatively and accurately fire bullets into the photographs.

Terry O’Neill says about the forthcoming exhibition “What Bran has done with my photographs is astounding.  He’s taken such time and consideration when creating his art – he really has transformed my photographs into something entirely his own.   It’s been a thrill for me to work with a young artist such as Bran, to listen to his thoughts and process.  And I can’t be more pleased with the results.”

‘Hollywood Re-loaded’ will make its début fittingly at Annabel’s, favourite hangout of the stars and London’s VIPs, on the 30 September. It will then move to the HOFA Gallery on Maddox Street on 1 October where it be on display throughout Frieze week till the 14 of October 2019.

‘Hollywood Reloaded Brigitte Bardot’ by Bran Symondson & Terry O’Neill, 2019 (101.6 cm x 76.2 cm)