EVENT DESCRIPTION
This summer, Neon Heroes: Illuminated Dreamstransforms the Courtyard & Marketplace at PMQ into a luminous stage celebrating heroism reimagined through Hong Kong’s iconic neon heritage. Running from 29 June to 7 July 2025, this innovative outdoor exhibition invites the public to explore six interactive neon sculptures that merge traditional craftsmanship with modern artistry, offering a bold tribute to Hong Kong’s cultural and artistic legacy.
At the heart of this project is a rare three-generational collaboration between emerging local artist Jerry Loo and his grandfather, Master Wong Kin-wah – one of Hong Kong’s most senior neon craftsmen. Working together, they reinterpret the city’s beloved neon aesthetic, infusing it with Jerry’s contemporary vision of superhero and superpowers to invite visitors to reflect on their own inner strength. This blend of storytelling, heritage conservation, and skilled craftsmanship resonates with Hong Kong citizens, encouraging them to discover the heroes within themselves, take a leap of faith, and pursue their dreams.
A Contemporary Tribute to Hong Kong’s Neon Culture
Having started his creative journey in 2D animation, Jerry brings a cinematic sense of movement and storytelling into the physical world with this debut series of 3D contemporary neon light sculptures. A superhero enthusiast like many, Jerry draws inspiration from animated legends to explore themes of transformation, power, and legacy, while dedicating the project to the hero who inspired him most – his grandfather.
Guiding Jerry’s creative evolution is Master Wong, Hong Kong’s most senior and revered neon tube-bending craftsman. With over 66 years of experience, Master Wong has not only witnessed the golden era of neon in Hong Kong but also continues to refine and evolve his craft, collaborating with younger generations to keep the neon heritage alive. His mentorship and enduring artistry are a testament to the resilience of Hong Kong’s cultural traditions and the importance of intergenerational knowledge in heritage conservation.
A Neon Trail of Heroism and Heritage
Neon Heroes invites visitors of all ages to interact, strike a pose, and immerse themselves in a vibrant trail of six contemporary neon light sculptures, each inspired by a different superpower or moment of superhero transformation. From the explosive Superhero Landing to the introspective Deep Thoughts Ice Cold, the artworks, with their vibrant designs, are both visually spectacular and personally empowering, bringing a fresh, youthful spark of inspiration.
- The Dragon Within – Inspired by Chinese mythology, this artwork symbolises inner strength and self-mastery.
- The Luminous – A tribute to Japanese anime icons like Dragon Ball, this neon sculpture glows with the light we carry and share.
- Superhero Landing – A playful take on a classic superhero pose, complete with dramatic cracked earth, this interactive artwork reminds us that heroism begins with the courage to try.
- Deep Thoughts Ice Cold – A moment of stillness amid chaos, this neon sculpture honours clarity, focus, and the quiet power of determination.
- Reach for the Stars – Evoking the thrill of flight, this piece invites viewers to imagine breaking free of limits and soaring toward their dreams.
- Eternal Glow: Legacy in Neon – The emotional centerpiece, co-created by Jerry and Master Wong, is a tribute to generational craftsmanship. Featuring a golden-ratio pattern and neon tools encircling symbolic mannequins, it honours the artisans who have passed down the light – heroes in their own right.
In addition to these contemporary neon artworks, Master Wong’s signature neon piece will be showcased as a standalone homage to Hong Kong’s neon golden age, offering a glimpse into the meticulous craftsmanship that continues to inspire new generations.
The exhibition concludes with Neon Waltz, a deeply personal animation marking Jerry’s return to his creative roots. This short film traces Master Wong’s extraordinary journey from his early arrival in Hong Kong, through his apprenticeship years, to becoming a full-fledged neon master during the city’s neon golden era. Set against the backdrop of Mong Kok, where many of his iconic signs once lit the streets, the film reflects on how neon shaped Master Wong’s life, and how he, in turn, helped shape Hong Kong’s urban identity. For Jerry, Neon Waltz is both a heartfelt tribute to his grandfather and a powerful closing note that brings the exhibition full circle – from light to motion, and legacy to future.
