Golden Angel 1996

Stephen Antonakos made Golden Angel with Neon, which looks like some kind of gold rectangle has just landed from space! I can imagine Antonakos in his studio, experimenting with how light can transform simple shapes into something otherworldly. The neon light is like a halo, giving this work a spiritual vibe. I love how the gold leaf catches the light, creating a subtle texture that contrasts with the bright, almost electric glow of the neon. It’s as if he's merging the material world with something divine. It reminds me of other artists who play with light and space, like Dan Flavin, but Antonakos brings in this ancient element with the gold, adding a whole other layer. Artists are always riffing off each other, you know? It’s a big conversation across time. Anyway, I find this piece really poetic. It shows how something as simple as a shape and some light can create a really powerful feeling.