Neon: On

By Jo Phillips

Chris Bracey solo exhibition – I’ve looked up to heaven and I’ve been down to hell – at Scream, London.

‘Neon is only happy when it’s on, when it’s alive,’ says Chris Bracey. With that being said, it comes as no surprise that the London-based artist’s work circles around those flashing lights.

‘I’ve looked up to heaven and I’ve been down to hell’ is the compelling title of Bracey’s upcoming solo exhibition at Scream in London. The king of neon, who is responsible for the Aladdin Sane lightning bolt as seen at the recent David Bowie’s exhibition at the V&A, will showcase his iconic work inspired by popular culture and the intriguing imagery from the vibrant streets of Soho as well as the glamourous yet kitschy characters who roam that scene in the ‘70s.

Chris Bracey solo exhibition – I’ve looked up to heaven and I’ve been down to hell – at Scream, London.

Seen at the exhibition are a glossary of retrospective texts and references – like the tattoo, Soho sex and rock ‘n’ roll iconography from the heaven and hell installation – as well as the his stirring statements – an example of which a neon dagger, which seemingly smashes the window of the gallery.

Chris Bracey.