UHI Inverness art lecturer 'humbled' after being appointed as Society of Scottish Artists vice-president
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An award winning artist teaching at UHI Inverness has been officially elected as co vice-president at a prestigious Scottish art society.
Leading contemporary artist Frank To, will take the role at the Society of Scottish Artists, with his new work being pre-selected for the upcoming society’s 125th Annual Exhibition at the Maclaurin Art Gallery in Ayr.
He will also be representing the best of Scottish contemporary art at the Royal Ulster Academy exhibition which will be on show from October 2023 to January next year with his work "Black Bird".
Mr To, whose work was recently displayed at the Caledonian Club in London and who was involved in creating artwork using metal made from illegal firearms, has become a prominent figure in the local and international contemporary art scene thanks to his peculiar technique using ignited gunpowder.
Commenting on his recent achievements and appointment, Mr To said: “It’s very fair to say that I am extremely lucky to still be operating in such difficult times. Although there is a cost-of-living crisis, it is so important for me to keep going.
"It would be easier to just buckle down and hope for the storm to pass, but you will never know how much you can achieve if you don’t take risks. Furthermore, pushing myself and competing continuously enables to keep myself informed and ‘sharp’ with my art skills. My constant need to challenge and better myself in my craft is recognised by the Royal Ulster Academy hence been selected for their exhibition at the Ulster Museum in Belfast.
“I am very honoured and humbled to be officially elected as the co-vice president of the Society of Scottish Artists. I’ve been a professional member of the society for several years and always set myself to promote and represent Scottish contemporary art. I’m hoping with my recent appointment I can actually help contribute to the society and be part of its journey to further enhance its stance on the international contemporary art platform.”
The Society of Scottish Artists is an artist-led organisation with a more than 1500 members based all over the world and is the oldest and biggest artist-led organisation in Scotland.
