Let’s face it, the world has become dark and stuffy. All the disasters, the pain the hell everyone has been experiencing. And so we are trying to find ways to bring something brighter into our lives to feel a bit more normal, to feel a bit more at balance. To feel less down and defeated. And this, is where NEON and very bright colours come in. The art world’s (and your nervous system’s) answer to a disco ball on Red Bull, neon colours burst onto the scene like your grandma accidentally discovering glow sticks at a rave.
Brain on Blast
Science, ever the party pooper (but a necessary one, don’t worry), tells us bright colours like neon can rev up our alertness. It’s like a mini-vacation for your hypothalamus, the brain region responsible for feeling all peppy and focused. So, next time you’re staring blankly at a spreadsheet, consider a neon art break. Just don’t blame me if you start absentmindedly doodling unicorns with laser beams.
Beyond the Gimmick: Why Neon Isn’t Just Pretty Lights
Hold on, there’s more to neon than just a visual energy drink. These colours have a way of blurring the lines, creating a trippy effect where they seem to melt into the surroundings. It’s a legal dose of LSD in my opinion. š It’s like the artwork is whispering sweet nothings in your retinas, pulling you in for a closer look. I use this to my advantage, it highlights key elements, creating an illusion of movement, joy, inspiration and freedom.
The Antidote to the Beige Blues
Let’s be honest: the world has been dark since COVID-19 hit, and we’ve all felt the hell of what it has created on our nervous systems.
And I just feel that neon colours are a rebellion against the sadness that had enveloped the world, a middle finger to disaster. Those electrifying pinks and pulsating blues can lift your mood faster than a basket of puppies (although puppies are still pretty darn effective). Imagine a neon sculpture that throws a cool blue glow across your living room ā it’s like having a permanent mood lamp that also happens to look like a giant, glowing question mark.
From Flashy Signs to Fine Art
Neon has come a long way, baby. That is why I use it in my work: It creates an incredible uplifting energy and space. Since I wanted to bring more brightness and joy into the world, it was my first choice because I desired intense colours. Somehow, I think on a subconscious level, I knew how it would help me heal and improve my own life as well as that of other people who own a piece.
So, the next time you see a neon artwork, don’t just walk by. Stop, stare, and let the colours work their magic. Who knows, you might just feel a little more awake, a little more cheerful, and maybe even a little bit like you just danced the night away at a silent disco for your retinas.