Neon art is a popular modern art form that has captivated audiences worldwide.
Its captivating, eye-catching colors and shapes can be used to create stunning pieces of art that draw attention and make a bold statement.
It’s also an incredibly versatile medium, allowing artists to create anything from large-scale installations to smaller, more intimate pieces.
In this blog post, you’ll learn more about the fascinating history of neon art and how it’s used to create breathtaking works of art. So, let’s begin.
History of Neon Art
The history of neon art dates back to the late 19th century when French chemist Georges Claude created a gas discharge lamp.
In 1910, Claude was granted a patent for an “apparatus for the production of luminous signs”, and his invention became the foundation on which neon art was built.
From 1930 to 1940, neon signs were popular in the United States and quickly became a popular form of advertising. It was considered a sign of progress and wealth in society.
From amusement parks to casinos, neon signs were a powerful way to attract attention and stand out from the crowd.
The 1960s saw a resurgence in the popularity of neon art as the hippie movement embraced the bright colors and psychedelic shapes in their art. It created a new wave of art characterized by bold, vibrant colors and shapes, often in unexpected places.
By the 1970s, neon signs had become an iconic part of pop culture, appearing in films and television shows. The introduction of the personal computer and technological advances also enabled neon art to be created more efficiently, bringing it into the mainstream and making it even more popular.
Bruce Nauman used neon art to express himself in his work.
He used the stunning colors of neon to create inherently unsettling pieces, often questioning the boundaries between art and reality.
The double and triple messages of his work have inspired many other artists, who also use neon to explore and express their creativity.
Artists for Neon Style
Neon art is a popular medium for many artists, including those who specialize in abstract and figurative work. Here are just a few of the talented artists who use neon to create their art:
Dan Flavin
Dan Flavin is one of the most well-known artists who use neon.
His pieces often feature simple geometric shapes, such as cubes and squares, illuminated with neon. His work is often associated with Minimalism and explores the relationship between light, color and space.
He worked as a mail clerk and met several artists who inspired him to pursue art, and eventually, he gained recognition in the art world. His work on fluorescent light sculptures is one of the most recognizable forms of neon art.
Joseph Kosuth
Joseph Kosuth is a renowned artist who uses neon art to create often conceptual and philosophical pieces.
His work, which sometimes features words and symbols illuminated by neon, explores topics such as language and identity. His pieces often transcend language and challenge viewers to think critically about the world around them.
He is one of the most influential artists in the neon art genre, and his work has been featured in museums worldwide.
He also helped his audience realize two different but real aspects of neon art, one of which is its visual beauty.
Chryssa
Chryssa is one of the most influential artists in the world when it comes to neon art.
Her pieces feature bold, angular shapes that are illuminated by bright neon lights. Her work often explores themes of time and memory, as well as her own Greek heritage.
Chryssa has achieved international acclaim for her work and has had numerous solo and group exhibitions in museums and galleries around the world. Her work has also been featured in films and television shows, cementing her place as one of the most important artists in the field of neon art.
Keith Sonnier
Keith Sonnier is an acclaimed artist whose work often incorporates neon art.
He often uses the bright colors of fluorescent lights to explore themes of identity and memory. His pieces are often abstract yet emotionally powerful, exploring both personal and universal topics.
He has been creating neon works of art for over five decades, and his work has been exhibited in numerous institutions worldwide, including the Museum of Modern Art in New York City. His work on neon lights in his famous series of “Ba-O-Ba” has become iconic and inspired many other artists.
Mario Merz
Mario Merz is an Italian artist who uses neon to explore themes of nature and the human body.
His work often features words, symbols, and shapes illuminated by neon that is meant to evoke a sense of mystery and beauty. He is known for his iconic series “Igloos”, which featured igloo-like shapes lit up with neon lights.
The symbolism of igloos has been associated with life, death, and rebirth, which Merz explored through his neon art. He initiated this series in 1968, and it quickly became one of his most recognizable works.
DIY Neon Art
In recent years, the rise in popularity of neon art has also led to an increase in DIY projects. With more people trying their hand at creating neon signs, it’s easy to see why this art form is so popular. Here are a few tips to help you get started on a neon art project:
The Neon-Plant Wall
It is a great way to bring light and color into your home.
A combination of neon plants, potted or hanging from the wall, can create an eye-catching display. It gives a vibrant, modern, and unique touch to your space. Choose the type of plants you want, such as succulents or flowers, and then use neon tubing to frame the plants.
You can also use plant vases or terrariums to bring life to the wall. They can be illuminated with neon tubes, creating a beautiful and striking effect. It is a fun way to show off your green thumb while also adding a bit of color to the room.
Neon Bedroom Sign
It is an easy and inexpensive way to add a bit of flair to your bedroom.
Use neon tubing to create a unique sign that can be hung on the wall or the ceiling. You can choose any word you want to illuminate and display in your room, such as “relax”, “love”, or even your name. It adds a personal touch and makes your bedroom look unique.
Having romantic neon wall art in the bedroom also creates a romantic atmosphere, perfect for those special moments. It can bring positive energy and make your bedroom look beautiful and vibrant.
Neon Signs with EL Wire
EL wire is an excellent material to use when creating neon signs. It’s flexible and easy to work with, making it perfect for DIY projects.
With EL wire, you can create almost any design you want to light up your space with neon art. It can also be used for outdoor signs and decorations, which makes them perfect for parties or events.
This magical electroluminescent wire is a great way to bring color and light into your life. The possibilities are endless, so have fun experimenting with different shapes and designs. You can use it to create a ring light around a framed piece of art or hang it up in your bedroom as a night light.
Abstract Dynamic Backgrounds
Abstract dynamic backgrounds are another way to incorporate neon art into your home.
This type of artwork is perfect for home décor, as it can provide an eye-catching look without being too overwhelming. It’s also a great way to fill up empty wall space with something interesting and unique.
You can design these abstract backgrounds with neon tubing and EL wire, creating unique shapes and forms. The eye-catching light from the neon adds a dynamic element to these pieces, making them stand out even more.
LED Neon Sign With Acrylic Backer
LED neon signs can also be used to create beautiful works of art.
LED tubing is even more flexible than traditional neon, making it easier to work with and shape into the design you want. It’s also brighter than regular neon tubing and doesn’t get as hot, so it’s safer for DIY projects.
By adding an acrylic backer to the LED neon sign, you can create a 3D effect. It gives the sign another layer of dimension and makes it stand out even more. You can mix and match different colors of tubing and acrylic to create something truly unique.
Neon Fallout Sign
It is a great way to bring a bit of nostalgia into your home.
With this project, you can take an old neon sign and give it new life with LED technology. The result is a vintage-inspired piece that looks just like the classic signs from the past.
It’s also easy to customize these signs using acrylic or EL wire. You can add your own text or design to make it even more personal. It is a great way to show off your creativity and add some flair to the room.
Websites to Get Neon Art
If you want to buy neon art, there are plenty of websites that offer custom-made pieces. You can find everything from simple wall signs to more intricate mixed-media pieces.
They also offer a range of colors, sizes, and shapes to fit in any space. The following websites can help you find great neon art pieces:
Custom Neon
This website offers LED neon signs to customize any space. Choose from various colors and designs to create something unique for your home, business, or events.
It can help you get your kid’s name in neon lights, a business logo, or any other design you can think of. Professional neon design and installation services are also available. Whether you need an aesthetic sculpture or an illuminated sign, Custom Neon can help you bring your vision to life.
Neon Art
Neon Art specializes in creating custom neon signs and art. Their gallery includes both traditional and LED artwork that you can purchase in a variety of sizes and colors.
Unique craftsmanship and intricate designs make these pieces stand out. They can also create custom signs and sculptures based on your specifications. Moreover, the manually manufactured signs come with a lifetime warranty, ensuring that your art stays vibrant for years to come.
Etsy
Etsy offers lots of neon art pieces to choose from, so you can easily find something that fits your taste. From wall art to sculptures, neon signs, and accessories, Etsy has it all.
The Neon Company
The Neon Company is another great place to buy neon artwork. The website offers a range of pre-made signs, sculptures, and accessories.
They also provide custom design and manufacturing services to create a unique piece for your space. Neon artworks from The Neon Company are high-quality and vibrant, adding a unique touch to your living space.
Life of Neon
Life of Neon is a website dedicated to neon art. It offers a range of pre-made signs, sculptures, and custom design services.
Their pieces are made with high-quality materials to ensure longevity and vibrancy. Their commitment to customer service makes them a great choice for anyone looking to purchase neon art.
Takeaway
Neon art is a great way to add some pizzazz (no wonder why we see so many pizza parlors uses these as open signs) to any space. With its vibrant colors, intricate designs, and the durability of LED technology, it’s no wonder why neon art is so popular.
While exploring the neon art world, I found out about many websites offering pre-made signs and custom design services. These websites are all great places to find neon art that will bring your home a bit of nostalgia and personality. Unlike a traditional shop, buying neon art online is simple and convenient.
Conclusion
Neon art is a great way to bring life to any space. With its vintage-inspired look, bright colors, and custom design options, neon art is sure to make a statement. From pre-made signs to custom pieces, there are plenty of websites that offer unique neon artwork.
Whether you’re looking for something simple or something more complex, these websites have it all. Now you can give your home an extra dose of personality with the beauty of neon art.
