Moved by how much our world has changed in the ten years since the first [d]arc awards, we aimed to create an installation that would explore the historical events of the last decade.

Inspired by the Bayeux tapestry, where medieval historical events were visually retold using textiles, we opted to tell modern stories using a modern medium: Neon (the tenth element in the periodic table).

Neon signage has contrasting connotations, to some it induces feelings of joy, vibrance and nightlife, whereas to others it relays themes of salaciousness, grunge and commercialism.

This dichotomy reflects the strong contrasting emotions intrinsic to the subject matter. The subjects explored in the installation are likely to make visitors feel pride, joy and relief, as well as sadness, loss, or fear.

Overall, ‘Ten Years in Neon’ is a highly emotive installation. At first glance, we expect visitors to see it as a fun, vibrant, surface-level piece of pop-art, but on closer reflection it is revealed to explore the deeper, complex and conflicting feelings that are increasingly intrinsic to modern life.

Image: Gavriil Papadiotis (www.gavriilux.com)