Chris Bracey: Heaven and Hell
- Published
The broken shards of the gallery window, a dagger through a glowing heart, scream, “Here I am, I’ve arrived,” says light artist Chris Bracey of the statement piece that welcomes visitors to his first UK solo exhibition.
Having already shown extensively in the US, this exhibition brings together a selection of works specifically dealing with themes of heaven and hell – a metaphor for Bracey’s own journey through life.
Bracey was taught how to manufacture and design neon signs from an early age by his father who was a sign-maker for fairgrounds and amusement arcades.
Inspired by the energy and kitsch character of London’s Soho during the 1970s, Bracey was confident his designs would bring vibrancy to the area and his first paid commission was a sign for Paul Raymond’s club The Pink Pussycat. Soon his "sex signs" were lighting up many other clubs in the area.
Bracey was approached by the art director Chris Townsend who introduced him to the world of film and he went on to provide installations for movies including Neil Jordan’s Mona Lisa, Stanley Kubrick’s Eyes Wide Shut and Tim Burton’s Batman.
Over the years Bracey has acquired a high-profile fan base resulting in commissions from David LaChapelle, Stella McCartney and Vivienne Westwood.
The inspiration for his work is wide ranging. Religious iconography, tattoo culture, nostalgia and glamour all collide in this neon work.
To achieve the intense depth of colour in his work, Bracey uses Murano glass from Venice together with neon, argon and krypton gases. He also salvages old lights from fairgrounds, film props and re-works vintage signs, regenerating them into contemporary pop sculptures.
I've Looked Up to Heaven And Been Down to Hell is at Scream in London until 1 June 2013. Photos: Emma Lynch/BBC