Frank To
The medium is continuously applied on to the surface only to be annihilated at a later stage. Image and mark making are persistent for their dominance. Behind all this, form and representation are integrated with the disfigurement. This becomes beautiful. Due to this, the work blur the boundaries between the figurative and the abstract. Using an entirely abstract exploration of the medium and colour, time and space are navigated to reflect this paradox. The resulting effect is where the irrational of painting becomes both melancholic and aesthetic.
Lived Experience
To is also the current Co-President of the Scottish Society of Artists- a dynamic and inclusive organisation with a growing community of more than 2000 members based all over the world. The society welcome artists of all disciplines and backgrounds, at every stage of their careers. They provide inspiring and valuable opportunities for all our members, from students and recent graduates to established artists.
As one of the oldest and biggest artist-led organisations in Scotland, the SSA are committed to building on the strong foundation of their rich history, while always seeking to experiment, innovate and challenge tradition. The society champion, support and empower its members, and foster connections, partnerships and collaborations, both in Scotland and internationally. They provide a well-established platform for artists working across all disciplines and art forms.
Statement of Practice
The medium is continuously applied on to the surface only to be annihilated at a later stage. Image and mark making are persistent for their dominance. Behind all this, form and representation are integrated with the disfigurement. This becomes beautiful. Due to this, the drawings blur the boundaries between the representation and the abstract. Using an entirely abstract exploration of explosives, time and space are navigated to reflect this paradox. The resulting effect is where the irrational of drawing becomes both melancholic and aesthetic.
Qualifications: –
2017 - 2018: - Postgraduate Diploma TQFE (Distinction), University of Stirling
2004 - 2005: - Masters of Fine Art , DJCAD, University of Dundee
2000 - 2004: - BA (Hons) Fine Art: Painting & Drawing, University of Huddersfield
Projects & Research: –
- 2018 – Present Humanium Metal by IM Swedish Development Partner
Employment history: -
- Programme Lead and Lecturer of Contemporary Art Practice at UHI Inverness
- Art & Design lecturer at UHI Perth
- Artist-in-Residence at Edinburgh Castle
- Artist-in-Residence at Perth Museum & Art Gallery
Technical/research interests: -
- Developmental & Innovative Drawing
- Painting
- Professional Practice
- Collaborative Practice
- Art Business & Marketing
- Contemporary Art Pedagogy
Collection: -
- Sir Walter Scott Partners Investment Ltd
- Northern Ireland Executive
- Stefan Löfven - Former Prime Minister of Sweden
- Royal Regiment of Scotland
- Royal Bank of Scotland
- Deloitte LLP
- Sir. Patrick Stewart
- Michel Witmer Fine Art
- Perth Museum & Art Gallery
- University of Cambridge
- University of Dundee
- University of Huddersfield
- South West Institute of Texas
Exhibitions: -
- Royal Cambrian Academy, Conwy
- Royal Society of Birmingham Artists, Birmingham
- Royal Scottish Academy of Art, Edinburgh
- Royal West of England Academy of Art, Bristol
- Royal Ulster Academy of Art, Belfast
- Royal Society of British Artists, London
- Society of Graphic Fine Art, London
- Society of Scottish Artists, Edinburgh
- Bath Society of Artists, Bath
- South West Academy of Fine & Applied Arts, Devon
- Perth Museum & Art Gallery, Perth & Kinross
- Fotografiska Museum, Stockholm
- Beaux Arts Gallery, Bath
- Albermarle Gallery, London
Awards:
- Highly Commended Award, Royal Cambrian Academy
- Henderson Art Purchase Prize, Society of Scottish Artists
- RBS Art Sponsorship Award, Royal Bank of Scotland
- The Deloitte LLP Prize, Society of Scottish Artists
- RBS & PSYBT Business Award
- The Prince’s Scottish Youth Business Trust
- Business Gateway Start up Grant
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