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An award-winning Inverness art lecturer was selected as part of a prestigious art exhibition in Wales — as he was chosen among almost 150 other artists, only four or whom are from Scotland.
UHI Inverness art lecturer Frank To, whose gunpowder artwork has attracted international recognition and has been exhibited in top tier exhibitions among which the Stafford Gallery in Wimbledon and the Mall Galleries in London, will now also showcase his work at the Royal Cambrian Academy 2026 Annual Exhibition in Conwy until ther end of May.
Commenting on being selected for the Royal Cambrian Academy and representing the best of Scottish contemporary art, Mr To said: “For me, it is an honour (and humbling) to be selected to show at the Royal Cambrian Academy in Wales. It’s important that I constantly push myself and test my limits in my work.
“The recent gunpowder piece that has been accepted is testimonial of that hard work. I am pleased that Royal Cambrian Academy have recognised that and accepted me into their annual exhibition.
“Although times are difficult for artists especially with the recent global conflict and economic downturn, it’s important for me that I constantly keep pushing myself as an artist. Usually that would involve insane long hours in the studio neglecting sometimes basic human needs. While some may think that is extreme, I cannot settle for anything less. What is it worth in the end? It’s not the things I have won, but the standards I set.”
Frank To is a Scottish contemporary artist whose signature art technique has garnered him international recognition amongst art critics and high profile collectors alike, including actor Sir Patrick Stewart, of Star Trek fame, and New York-based Michel Witmer, who hangs Mr To’s paintings alongside those of Picasso and Warhol.
His work is also in some of the most prestigious public collections such as the Northern Ireland Executive and University of Cambridge. In recent years To has exhibited alongside some of the greats of the Scottish and international art & design scene such as Antony Gormley, Banksy, Damien Hirst, Francis Bacon, Jimmy Choo, Jean-Michel Basquiat and Peter Howson.
Tabish Khan, established UK national art critic said: “Powerful art often hits you like an explosion, making you step back. Frank To takes it further by incorporating mini-explosions into his work, using gunpowder to scorch the paper.
“He harnesses the chaotic nature of gunpowder so that even he doesn’t know exactly how it will turn out. In doing so, he is transforming an instrument of violence into a creative act. These powerful works don’t just scorch the paper; they remain burned into our memories even after the smoke has cleared.”
The Royal Cambrian Academy of Art is an independent charity supporting Welsh art and artists — its annual open exhibition invites artists from across the UK to share their creativity and talent.
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