“Neon is able to do something that an ordinary image cannot. The colourful, curved light speaks directly to me; it touches me with an irrefutable immediacy”, says curator Jens-Peter Brask about this unique type of light, which is the main material and starting point of the exhibition Neon, on view at Martin Asbæk gallery in Copenhagen until June 13th.
Yes, quarantine and general lockdown are still ongoing in many countries, but to what extent varies greatly. In Denmark’s capital, we can find art galleries like Martin Asbæk’s open to the public. So if you’re tired of staying at home and fancy some fresh – and artsy – air, head to the group show Neon, where the curator has chosen six American artists to exhibit their work with neon light as well as painted works in luminous, vibrant colours. However, if you prefer to stay at home as authorities recommend or happen to not be in Copenhagen, you can also take a virtual 3D tour through Artland.

“With the medium traditionally being a part of the public domain, city life, and busy streets, the works in the exhibition reflect Jens-Peter Brask’s long-established affinity for contemporary art”, reads the exhibition text. Some of the participating artists, like Revok and Kenny Scharf, come from the graffiti and street art worlds, which makes a perfect commentary on how such material can go from common, everyday signs to expensive objets d’art. However, others like Greg Bogin and Eddie Martinez are mainly painters and have decided to explore neon light especially for the exhibition. Ranging from vivid and bright abstract pieces to figurative ones like a skull or an alligator’s head, each artist has translated his spirit and inspiration through neon tube lights, which offer them an attention-drawing quality difficult to ignore.
The exhibition Neon is on view until the 13th of June at Martin Asbæk gallery Bredgade 23, Copenhagen, Denmark.
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