Alexis Dandreis: The Neon Artisan Behind Paris's Glowing Signs and Artworks

Alexis Dandreis, born in 1987, is a Paris-based neon artist and craftsman whose atelier in the 11th arrondissement is filled with diverse projects, from a 'BAR' sign for La Belle Époque to a component for Philippe Parreno's upcoming exhibition. He is preparing to move to a larger space in the same building owned by the Chambre des métiers, though the doubled rent will force him to work at a frantic pace. Dandreis trained at the Arts Déco de Strasbourg and earned a CAP in menuiserie before joining Villa Belleville in 2015 as wood workshop coordinator. A 2016 trip to Canada inspired him to pursue a CAP in verrerie option néon at Lycée Dorian, which he completed at age 30. He now works alone, creating neon works for artists, galleries, and commercial clients, including Christie's, the Centre Pompidou, and Fondation Louis Vuitton. In 2025, he installed a neon work featuring David Hockney's phrase 'Do remember they can't cancel the spring' on the foundation's façade. Despite challenges—competition from LED, the closure of Vito Enseignes, and dependence on foreign suppliers—Dandreis remains committed to the craft, which he notes is of French invention by Georges Claude (1870–1960). His works can be seen at Tour d'Argent, Hôtel Beaurepaire, and Brasserie Melt, and will soon appear at Paris Photo with the duo Nadège Piton and SMITH.