Light as Air, a site-specific public neon installation by neon artist Chankalun, will be displayed at Tai Kwun Parade Ground to celebrate Hong Kong's local heritage while promoting sustainability
La Prairie, the Swiss luxury skincare brand, has recently collaborated with Hong Kong's sole female neon artist, Chankalun, to create a stunning and sustainable art installation titled Light as Air. The installation will be displayed at Tai Kwun Parade Ground in Hong Kong from March 21 to 27, and it aims to celebrate Hong Kong's local heritage while promoting sustainability.
Neon signs, which were once a cultural representation of Hong Kong, are now fading into history and becoming less predominant in the city. As a result, La Prairie's collaboration with Chankalun is a timely and meaningful way to preserve this dying craft while also highlighting the importance of sustainability.
The installation is inspired by the pristine nature of Switzerland's landscape, where La Prairie has its roots. It aims to bring a new light to Hong Kong, the light from Switzerland. The installation is set to be the first interactive neon installation in Hong Kong, drawing inspiration from the instantaneous air quality index of Montreux.
“With Light as Air, I am pushing forward unusual potentials of neon to bring a breath of new air to Hong Kong which is achieved through multimedia interactivity and elements with a sustainable vision being portrayed on a large-scale 3D structure,” says Chankalun (whose real name is Karen Chan), in a press statement.
At the heart of this collaboration is the focus on sustainability. The installation was produced using upcycled glass from the artist's neon-making process, as well as La Prairie's White Caviar waste materials. This methodology is also at the heart of Chankalun's practice, where she is dedicated to conserving and reusing materials while minimizing waste within her process and studio.
With its lasting impact in mind, the elements of the artwork will be repurposed following the closing of the fair. This approach to sustainability is commendable and sets a standard for other luxury brands to follow.
