Hong Kong is famous for its distinctive and vibrant neon signs. But could these lights go out? Neon lights have been found everywhere in Hong Kong’s nightlife for decades, each and every corner of the city basking in their funky lights. The use of neon lights became wildly popular as a new advertisement method during the 1950s, when the economy of the city started growing.
Some of these neons have been around for a few decades, witnessing the change of landscape and history in the land of Hong Kong. Hong Kong neon has now become a part of our heritage both visually and culturally. Its beautiful appearances deserve to be seen and known, or discussed about more often before it completely disappears.
Yes, signs that are hanging over the street have been disappearing rapidly. As the technology improves, lights are now being replaced by LED, and some are even taken away by new developers who have purchased the old buildings. The type of promotion has been changing since everything has been shifting to online platforms. It didn’t help once the government regulations changed with its new size restrictions in the 1990's. Unfortunately the biggest concern is that once these art footprints of history disappear, it can no longer be easily recreated let alone preserving them.
When Hong Kong lost its old signs, what did we do? We came back with new ones. Now, Hong Kong artists are showcasing new neon sign forms - a little bit modern, but with that nostalgic taste and in LED! It is our way to embrace art and protect our own culture. There are even classes that offer people to learn how to make their own LED lights. Just like we always do, us Hong Kongers will always find a way to make it happen. So as FIF too. That's how we grow and learn, here at FIF.
*Hong Kong neon combines the old and retro advertising billboards that are inherited from Chinese culture, and then combined with western techniques and aesthetics that actually represents the uniqueness of Hong Kong. At FIF, we aim to embrace diversity within art and culture.
