Glasgow School of Art reject sells out works in London within a week

An artist who was rejected by the Glasgow School of Art has sold out his works in less than a week at a gallery in London.

Frank To applied to the GSA in 2000 for a degree, in 2004 for a Masters and was also turned down for a job before the fire which devastated the Mackintosh Building.

He has since become well known for his works created using gunpowder, and his work has been displayed alongside the likes of Antony Gormley, Banksy, Damien Hirst, Francis Bacon, Jimmy Choo, Jean-Michel Basquiat and Peter Howson.

At the Exhibition of Scottish Artists at the Stafford Gallery in London last month Mr To’s works sold out within a week.

Read More:

He has also been praised by the likes of Patrick Stewart and Phill Jupitus and exhibited alongside the King on several occasions.

Mr said: “For me, I have to keep pushing the limits of my work. Personally it’s the only way I can really hone and better my practical skills which is now more important in this AI generated environment. Generative AI is now threatening the creative & cultural sector workforce.

“There it is important that I don’t stop innovating in my art. That is what being an artist is about. To keep pushing and never be too comfortable.

“I am both surprised and honoured of the recent successes of my recent exhibitions. To even have sold all works especially in London is rare these days. By exhibiting in London such as Society of Graphic Fine Art at the Mall Galleries I am representing the best of Scottish contemporary art.”

Frank To with Phill Jupitus (Image: Supplied)

Tabish Khan, established London art critic of the Londonist and FAD Magazine 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.

Painter Frank To with actor Patrick Stewart (left) who was the subject of one of his paintings. Pictured in front of some of his work which is on display in the Leith Gallery in Edinburgh (Image: Malcolm Cochrane)

“Sadly, gun violence continues across the world, and his work is asking us to reflect on these tragedies and challenge ourselves to imagine a better, more creative and hopeful future. These powerful works don’t just scorch the paper; they remain burned into our memories even after the smoke has cleared.”