the fading neon lights - an archive of hong kong’s visual culture

Suspended above us with intricate patterns and flamboyant colors, the neon signs of Hong Kong easily guide us to local businesses, Chinese restaurants, bars, and department stores. Apart from marketing and advertising, these neon signs actually convey much more -- and mean much more -- to those who view the signs as a part of their home. This book documents Hong Kong’s neon signs whilst taking on a historical, socio-cultural, and contextual study of visual culture around the city. It explores the inter-related components of neon signs, including each sign’s unique visual aesthetic and design, the history of craftsmanship and training, and how the streetscape relates to Hong Kong’s consumer culture. With an underlying theme of photographic conservation and an array of vibrant images, the author brings the everyday signage of Hong Kong to life.

Kwok Sze Hang, Brian is a design educator and visual culture scholar. His research focuses on visual culture, local neon sign craftsmanship, visual representation, street culture, and information design. He is currently leading and teaching the BA (Hons) in Communication Design programme at Hong Kong Polytechnic University’s School of Design.