A stunning neon light display and video installation in the basement is just one of the changes made to the former Artgame gallery in Margate.
The Marine Drive property has been transformed into the Neon Rooms ready for an opening party on Friday (November 15).
Neon specialist Kerry Ryan, also the owner of the Neon Ballroom at the former Caprice nightclub in Cliftonville, has taken the helm for a six month run of exhibition 25 Years of Neon.
The dad-of-five will be sharing items from his art collection, consisting mainly of neon, sculptures and paintings, in the ground floor of the property. The display will include pieces by Tracey Emin, Gavin Turk, Sarah Lucas, The Chapman Brothers and more.
The 52-year-old, who moved to Thanet from the Isle of Dogs after buying the old Caprice, said: “It is from my collection over 25 years. I have started off with neon in the ballroom and now am using this space until Spring.”
The immersive video/neon combination in the basement has been created after a decade since the initial idea.
Kerry said: “I made the video about three years ago but first had the idea about ten years ago. It was just finding the time and the space.”
The top floor has been converted into a huge apartment with two bedrooms, two bathrooms and an open studio/main room area leading onto a balcony with a spectacular view of the seafront.
The idea is to let it to groups of up to 10-12 people until an artist in residence is in place.
Kerry said: “We don’t mind if people want a party, there is a lot of space. Eventually we hope to have an artist in residence who will have the studio and gallery. It is a really prime position with beautiful views.”
The 25 Years of Neon will run until March/April. Following that further uses will be explored, including creating a coffee area on the ground floor fronting Marine Drive, rotating the art across floors and, hopefully, continuing the artist in residence use.
Kerry is the boss of Neon Specialists, which has bases in London and Miami. He creates neon installations for a host of clients and artists including Tracey Emin, Damien Hirst, Peter Saville and Cerith Wyn Evans.
The opening party starts at 6pm.
Pieces can be seen at the Neon Rooms, 18 Marine Drive, and also at The Neon Ballroom in Fort Paragon.
To find out more about renting the Neon Rooms apartment email info@neonspecialists.com
Artgame will not be missed after multiple reports of their shonky treatment of the creative people they engaged with.