Gunpowder art by UHI Inverness art lecturer on double show at Royal Ulster Academy in Belfast and the Royal West of England Academy in Bristol
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AN INVERNESS art lecturer will see his work on show at two prestigious UK art academies, one of which will be exhibited alongside royal artwork.
UHI Inverness art lecturer Frank To and his gunpowder artwork has been accepted by both the Royal Ulster Academy in Belfast and the Royal West of England Academy in Bristol, making him the only Scottish artist selected for both academies simultaneously this year.
His work will be on display alongside King Charles' own watercolour exhibit in Bristol.
Mr To said: “To be honest, it has been a difficult year for everyone in the creative and cultural sector due to cost of living. Things are just about to get bad which is causing a sense of pessimism in the air. Despite this, I feel it’s important for me to keep pushing the boundaries with my art and further enhance the reputation of Scottish art in these uncertain times. I have never been a person who becomes content; I’m always looking for the next challenge. That is what being an artist is about. To keep pushing and never be too comfortable.
“I am very honoured to be accepted in both this year’s Royal Ulster Academy and Royal West of England Academy Annual Exhibitions. I will be showing with the best art contemporaries who I strongly admire and respect. Furthermore, I am humbled to be given an opportunity to represent Scotland in Ireland and England. "
Mr To is a Scottish contemporary artist whose art technique has garnered him international recognition and raised interest among high profile collectors including actor Sir Patrick Stewart, of Star Trek fame, and New York-based Michel Witmer.
His ignited gunpowder artwork goes on show in the Ulster Museum and in Bristol until January 2023.
