'I’ve Looked Up To Heaven And Been Down To Hell ' is a vibrantly energetic exhibition which is currently being held at the Scream Gallery in London. What I am about to describe is a biographical exploration of the life and times of Chris Bracey, a UK based light artist who learned his craft with his father, a fairground sign maker, and has been practicing it for 37 years now.
On an international level, his work is highly regarded but this is his first solo exhibition in the UK and understandably is a milestone in his career. His instantly recognizable pieces in glowing neon lights have been incorporated into the world of films, fashion and photography and are admired by such icons as Vivienne Westwood, Stanley Kubrick and David LaChapelle.
The artist’s talent for creating dynamic neon signs and installations, both from scratch and by recycling discarded objects from film sets and fair-grounds, is phenomenal. In glowing color his pieces come to life with references from tattoo symbols of hearts and knives, snakes and skulls displayed as glittering nostalgia. Irreverent religious icons merged with the seedy pop culture from the streets of Soho in the 70s are portrayed in a unique contemporary art form.
Working with metal, acrylics, neon, paint and wiring, his signs are instilled with a startling level of brilliance through the incorporation of his favorite Murano glass of Venice in Ruby Red and 24 carat gold. Until June 1st, the visitors to the exhibition can witness the medium of Neon at its best in the form of these fascinating light sculptures!
