Hand-painted neon signs bring 1950s nostalgia to forgotten alleys
June 24, 2025 | Los Angeles, CA — An anonymous Los Angeles street artist known simply as Lucent is breathing new life into deserted alleyways across downtown L.A. by hand-painting vintage neon signage salvaged from the 1950s and ’60s.
Abandoned sign frames are retrieved from demolition sites and junkyards, restored, and then meticulously painted with UV-reactive paints that glow under blacklight. The result: vibrant, nostalgic artworks that transform dark alleys into retro neon galleries.
From Salvage to Street Show
What began as Lucent’s personal art project has evolved into a cultural phenomenon. His work now draws both local fans and tourists, with businesses like coffee shops, tattoo parlors, and vintage stores commissioning custom pieces.
“It’s like time-travel with spray cans and brushes,” Lucent recently described in a private interview circulated among local bloggers.
Preserving L.A. Heritage
Cultural advocates argue that Lucent’s project is more than art—it’s historic preservation. The initiative echoes efforts by the Museum of Neon Art (MONA), which has worked to restore hundreds of vintage signs across Los Angeles County over the last few decades.
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What’s Next?
Lucent is planning a “Neon Ghost Walk” this summer—a nighttime, self-guided tour featuring elaborate UV lighting, vinyl music, and even augmented reality overlays. This could soon become a new staple of L.A.’s underground arts scene.