August 15, 2025
'Open Late' a solo pop-up exhibition of Katherine McMahon's neon sign paintings will be presented at God’s Own Junkyard–home to the largest collection of neon lights in Europe–from October 10-19 in London
‘Open Late’, a pop-up exhibition of neon sign paintings by Katherine McMahon will be presented at God’s Own Junkyard (Shernhall Street, London, E17 9HQ) from October 10-19, 2025. In this new suite of paintings, McMahon uses the neon sign as subject matter for broadly exploring the lifecycle of objects that function in visual culture as signifiers of wants, needs and desires–examining how their shift from ubiquity to novelty and nostalgia reflects changes in society at large.
In their original use, the neon sign emitted hedonistic undertones in outdoor advertising to promote everything from
food to gambling to sex–activating the brain’s orienting reflex and encouraging action through color psychology,
motion and light. Aside from their literal messaging, their hum and glow contributed to the look and feel of urban
landscapes in the 20th century. They were once much more than signage—they were seductive, sensorial triggers.
These paintings celebrate neon’s golden age while taking a wider lens to the way culture facilitates the transition of
mainstream objects to cultural artifacts in the 21st century. Furthermore, this series explores the literal messaging of
neon signs, framing words and phrases as a historical record that reflects shifting priorities in consumerism and
culture from the past to the present.
‘Open Late’ explores the inverted symbology and psychological effect of presenting the sentimental, sculptural neon
sign object via the two-dimensional, flattened medium of painting. Drawing inspiration from Mark Fisher’s concept of
hauntology—the idea that the present is haunted by lost futures—McMahon considers the complexity of the neon
sign’s contemporary identity as a material casualty of the 20th century.
About God's Own Junkyard:
Described by Secret London as “a psychedelic paradise of neon lights and vintage signs”, God’s Own Junkyard is a multidisciplinary space in London dedicated to neon signs. Founded by the late neon artist Chris Bracey, Gods Own Junkyard has been located in Walthamstow since 2004. Showcasing a collection of more than 1,000 neon signs–ranging from signs salvaged from Soho’s risqué strip-club signs from the 1970’s to iconic Hollywood set pieces–the space broadly celebrates the history and aesthetics of neon both as a medium and material. (God’s Own Junkyard, Ravenswood Industrial Estate, Shernhall Street, London, E17 9HQ)
In their original use, the neon sign emitted hedonistic undertones in outdoor advertising to promote everything from
food to gambling to sex–activating the brain’s orienting reflex and encouraging action through color psychology,
motion and light. Aside from their literal messaging, their hum and glow contributed to the look and feel of urban
landscapes in the 20th century. They were once much more than signage—they were seductive, sensorial triggers.
These paintings celebrate neon’s golden age while taking a wider lens to the way culture facilitates the transition of
mainstream objects to cultural artifacts in the 21st century. Furthermore, this series explores the literal messaging of
neon signs, framing words and phrases as a historical record that reflects shifting priorities in consumerism and
culture from the past to the present.
‘Open Late’ explores the inverted symbology and psychological effect of presenting the sentimental, sculptural neon
sign object via the two-dimensional, flattened medium of painting. Drawing inspiration from Mark Fisher’s concept of
hauntology—the idea that the present is haunted by lost futures—McMahon considers the complexity of the neon
sign’s contemporary identity as a material casualty of the 20th century.
About God's Own Junkyard:
Described by Secret London as “a psychedelic paradise of neon lights and vintage signs”, God’s Own Junkyard is a multidisciplinary space in London dedicated to neon signs. Founded by the late neon artist Chris Bracey, Gods Own Junkyard has been located in Walthamstow since 2004. Showcasing a collection of more than 1,000 neon signs–ranging from signs salvaged from Soho’s risqué strip-club signs from the 1970’s to iconic Hollywood set pieces–the space broadly celebrates the history and aesthetics of neon both as a medium and material. (God’s Own Junkyard, Ravenswood Industrial Estate, Shernhall Street, London, E17 9HQ)