As part of SPARK: The Science and Art of Creativity – Hong Kong’s first Festival of Ideas celebrating creativity across the arts, sciences and education – Phillips Auction House and the British Council Hong Kong commissioned the creation of Neon Spark, an artwork conceived and designed by British Chinese artist Faye Wei Wei. Neon Spark was exhibited at Tai Kwun for the duration of SPARK festival- a series of events hosted by the British Council Hong Kong celebrating collaborations between science and the traditonal arts and activating creative conversations between Hong Kong and the United Kingdom.
SPARK attracted over 14,000 visitors to Tai Kwun Centre for Heritage and Arts from 18-20 January 2019. A place for debate, inspiration and visionary thinking, the inaugural festival organised by the British Council was packed with interactive experiences, provocative performances and stimulating talks. SPARK brought together over 200 artists, scientists and academics from Hong Kong and the UK from over 50 arts and education organisations presenting 37 events in a vibrant platform for cultural exchange.
Faye Wei Wei's painting translated as neon artwork was fabricated by one of the last Hong Kong neon light masters. Neon Spark highlights a sunset industry which once illuminated and defined Hong Kong’s skyline, with the aim of igniting a conversation on preserving heritage and culture in the city, while providing an inspirational platform for cross-cultural creativity.