Faculty

Profile

Chankalun (Karen Chan), a Hong Kong-born neon artist and interdisciplinary artist whose work explores the intersections of traditional neon craftsmanship, sustainability, and contemporary cultural narratives. Trained in set design, exhibition curation and multimedia at Wimbledon College of Art and Parsons School of Design, her unique practice merges neon with unconventional materials to create immersive installations that challenge the boundaries between art, design, and environmental consciousness. Known as an “art-vocate” by National Geographic, her art extends beyond aesthetics – using neon to address important social and environmental issues while inspire change.

Since 2018, Chankalun’s work has been exhibited internationally, including at Art Basel Hong Kong (with UBS and La Prairie), Milan Design Week, M+ Museum, cultural institutions and exhibitions in New York, Paris, Oxford, Brussels and Pattaya. Her installations range from monumental neon sculptures addressing environmental concerns to conceptual pieces exploring identity, body image, and collective memory.  

Beyond private commissions, her art practice is structured around 3 distinct collections:

– “Silhouette” explores identity, celebrates body positivity and self-acceptance,

– “Sustainability” reflects on natural elements, invisible forces and the concept of “imperfect perfectionism” of Expressionism in Chinese calligraphy. It also rethinks materials, waste, and ecological responsibility,

– “Blue and White” bridges Eastern and Western craftsmanship through the fusion of porcelain and neon—two handmade, delicate materials with contemporary motifs.  

Beyond her artistic practice, Chankalun is a dedicated educator and collaborator, leading workshops at the M+ Museum, Parsons Paris, POUSH and other cultural institutions, demystifying neon as a contemporary art form rather than just a commercial craft.  

With a background in exhibition and set design, she has curated projects such as “My Light, My Hood“ (2018), which highlighted neon’s role in urban identity. Her upcoming projects continue to push neon’s artistic potential, integrating recycled materials, interactive components, and cultural storytelling to create works that are both deeply personal and globally relevant.  

Through resilience and innovative experimentation, her mission is clear: to keep the neon legacy vibrant and enduring.

Portfolio

The Neon Girl