Christoph Ribbat's 'Flickering Light' Explores Neon's Cultural History from 1898 Discovery to Contemporary Art

In his book 'Flickering Light,' art historian Christoph Ribbat examines the journey of neon from its scientific origins to its status as a cultural icon. Neon gas was discovered in 1898 by British chemist William Ramsay and his assistant Morris Travers. French chemist George Claude later commercialized neon, introducing various colors. This vibrant gas became a hallmark of American cities like New York and Las Vegas, embodying both modernity and dystopia. Ribbat discusses neon's impact on 20th and early 21st-century art, referencing works like Nelson Algren's 'The Neon Wilderness' (1947), Bruce Nauman's 1972 creations, and Tracey Emin's pieces from 2001. Music mentions include Cole Porter's 1936 song and Kraftwerk's 1978 track. Despite technological advancements, Ribbat contends that neon's allure remains. This article was published in ArtReview's September 2013 issue.