Foreseen Paths

Challenging exhibition explores the dark side of gay marriage
As same-sex marriage gets ever-closer to becoming a reality for the UK, London- based photographer William To presents a challenging exhibition that raises some challenging questions for gay men who are contemplating getting hitched.
By juxtaposing conflicting visions of gay relationships, To’s work asks us to consider:
• Are gay men using marriage to blend in with heterosexual couples?
• Will our identities be taken over by dull, subdued versions of our former selves as we embrace the traditional norms of straight relationships?
• What exactly are we sacrificing for marriage equality?
• Do we just see what we want to see?
Originally from Brisbane in Australia, To is known for his bold use of colour and digital manipulation, creating a world that is larger than life.
For this series of fantasy v. reality he has created six different couples in six very different stereotypes of gay lifestyles.
To’s process involves the use of three different types of photographic editing software and precise editing techniques to achieve his desired affect.
There is an obvious use of bold v. dull colour contrast in the two formats presented for each couple, powerfully conveying two different lifestyle choices - bold or blending in.
The exhibition, titled Foreseeing Paths, will be held at Manbar Soho, 79 Charing Cross Road, WC2H 0NE [http://www.manbarsoho.com/]
The exhibition opens on Tuesday 4th June 2013 and will run until 15th July 2013. On opening night To will be auctioning (at 20:00) a unique piece of work from the exhibition series. (signed and framed). Proceeds from the auction will be donated to London Community Pride.

About William To:
William To manipulates light and shadow, colour and texture to connect with his audience and invoke emotional response. More than just technically perfect, his work transforms the everyday, revealing beauty, complexity, and energy.
Challenging yet approachable his work has recently been shown by The Alibi Room and at the White Box Gallery where he was awarded the F-Stop Imaging Director’s Award. After graduating from the Queensland College of Art in Brisbane, Australia William initially worked as the staff photographer for Queensland Pride covering social events and shooting editorial, lifestyle and fitness.
In 2006 William relocated his practice to the tropical north Queensland city of Cairns where he trained in underwater photography.
Since moving to London in 2012 William now works in London’s thriving east end where his is refining his new talents which will become evident in his forthcoming exhibition Foreseeing Paths shown at Manbar Soho.
About Manbar Soho:
Gay owned and run Manbar has recently taken over a venue that is a big part of gay Soho’s heritage. The major refit of this venue has revitalised a location which is part of
London’s gay heritage.
Manbar has already established itself as a home of cutting edge art - the Prince Harry portrait by Mikesbliss has captured the imagination of the international media.

Media Release: Thursday 6th June 2013, London
London Community Pride receives fundraising boost from gay marriage exhibition
With only weeks to go until London Community Pride hits the streets of London, fundraising efforts are still underway across the city.
The latest contribution comes from photographer William To who has donated a unique piece of work that has been raffled in support of London Community Pride.
To’s first solo exhibition ‘Foreseen Paths’ is on now at Manbar Soho, and explores the subtext of gay marriage.
To explains the connection:
‘I’m not against gay marriage, but I think it’s important that we
don’t compromise what’s unique about gay relationships in our
pursuit of marriage equality. It’s a concept that I’ve been wanting to do for a number of years, so when I realized that ‘Love (and Marriage)’ was the theme for this year’s London Community Pride it seemed like the perfect time to bring this vision to life.’
‘I’m a strong supporter of LGBT Pride celebrations in London’ said To, ‘looking at Pride celebrations in other cities around the world, London has the capability to deliver a really amazing event - I’d really like to see not only the LGBT community, but the entire community of London getting involved.’
Exhibited in Manbar Soho from 4th June - 15th July 2013, the exhibition uses stereotypical gay couples and juxtaposes the potential freedom of gay relationships with some of the constraints of mainstream ideals regarding marriage.
Ashley Savage was the winner of the fundraising raffle - he proudly collected the unique piece of art that To has created to commemorate the exhibition:
‘I was overjoyed to have won the framed and signed print from this series of work, shocked too, having never won more than a couple of quid on the lottery’ said Savage. ‘I thoroughly enjoyed attending the opening night - “Foreseen Paths” is an incredibly well executed body of work, conceptually strong, thought provoking and superbly presented.’
Liam Loam-Lack, volunteers director for London Community Pride confirmed that fundraising events such as To’s exhibition are vital to the success of LGBT Pride celebrations:
‘It’s fantastic to see artists such as William getting involved and supporting London Community Pride. The exhibition is a great contribution to discussions around this year’s theme for the Pride Festival.’
Chris Amos, Manbar Soho’s marketing director, was thrilled with the response to this first exhibition that the venue has hosted:
‘Manbar is very much part of the London community - it’s fantastic to be able to bring together some exciting new photography and support for London Community Pride. The success of William’s exhibition has definitely given us confidence to host more exhibitions of this kind.’
Foreseen Paths, William To’s first solo exhibition is being exhibited in Manbar Soho from 4th June - 15th July 2013.