Hong Kong Neon Culture Repository

This research project involves the digital capture of Hong Kong neon signs as cultural artefacts to be documented in an online multimedia repository comprising images, stereoscopic virtual reality video and sound clips as well as textual descriptions. Following a period of intense decline, there has recently been increased public attention on the rapid loss of Hong Kong vernacular neon as an intrinsic part of the city’s visual and cultural identity. This research is timely and urgent in the face of an accelerated decline in the number of functional neon signs in HK that will likely imminently see few remaining.

From the 1950s, the ubiquity of neon signage in Hong Kong greatly contributed to the city’s unique visual culture and vibrant sense of self. Vernacular locally produced artisanal neon signage advertising global brands but mostly local businesses lead to a unique sense of place for both Hong Kong residents and international visitors. Beginning with a preference for less expensive energy efficient LED signage and then accelerated by restrictive government policy from 2010, the cityscape has rapidly changed so as to bear little resemblance to that of 20 years ago. From an estimated 120,000 in 2011, recent estimates have placed the current remaining number of functioning neon signs at around 400. There is, however, no authoritative figure for the number of remaining signs. This research seeks to confirm the actual figure of extant neon signs and to digitally archive those that remain before their likely imminent removal in order for them to be experienced in the future as historical cultural heritage that gave to Hong Kong a sense of place.

Existing attempts to document neon typically focus on the visual, often in still images, while the intrinsic quality of neon is arguably it’s flow and fluctuation and its relationship with the fabric of its environment. This research will therefore attempt to build an audio-visual archive that approximates the physical experience of neon signs with audio recordings that reference the lived experience. VR footage captured both day and night will be utilised to capture an immersive experience of the intrinsic temporal quality of neon within the cityscape. The project will also seek to encourage a re-appraisal of the value of Hong Kong vernacular neon by facilitating glass-bending and neon mounting workshops for young artists with one of the few remaining neon artisans still working in Hong Kong.