Philippe Parreno Marquee, 2026

A new development in Philippe Parreno's signature Marquee series, this work is composed of opalescent Plexiglas, neons, LED lights and a DMX player. Conceived in the manner of a bas-relief, the Marquee’s flat planes shift into perspectival depth, producing an optical illusion. Spherical protrustions in the Plexiglas mimic light bulbs, intensifying this effect, while neon and LED lights embedded beneath the surface flicker in sequences choreographed by the artist.

Departing in construction from earlier Marquees, this work houses its technology compactly within its Plexiglas body, and is programmed with eight individual light sequences, which can be wirelessly controlled by the viewer via an iPad. The speed and light intensity can likewise be adjusted on the iPad. The work’s construction is also lighter than that of previous Marquees and does not require wall reinforcement for installation, nor does it require a control room for its technology.

Each of Parreno’s Marquees is unique, distinguised by its form, light effects and construction. Since 2006, the artist has combined near-obsolete light sources such as incandescent bulbs and neon tubes with modern acrylics that are milled, shaped, and formed using advanced fabrication techniques.

Marquees first appeared in the early twentieth century as illuminated canopies above the entrances of American cinemas and theaters, announcing film titles and actors’ names. Parreno strips his Marquees of text entirely, allowing their meaning to shift according to context and the viewer’s imagination, introducing an event yet to be imagined.

The artist created his first Marquee on the occasion of the exhibition Interior Cartoons at Esther Schipper, Berlin, in 2006. Parreno’s largest Marquee to date was installed in the Turbine Hall at Tate Modern, London, as part of the artist’s 2016 Hyundai Commission, Anywhen.

SEQUENCES (CONTROLLED VIA IPAD)
1. Entrance
2. Breathing
3. Bad Reception
4. Turn Around
5. Ghosts
6. Dancing Lights
7. Gemini
8. Quiet Night
The speed and the light intensity can likewise be adjusted on the iPad

INSTALLATION SPECIFICATIONS
– The Marquee is installed on the wall with 8 fixation screws (template provided)
– Marquee dimensions: H 93,6 x W 155,8 x D 30,3 cm (36 7/8 x 61 3/8 x 11 7/8 in)
– The work weighs 60 kg (132 lbs) approx.
– Wall reinforcement is not required for installation on standard walls
– The work consists of 8 neon lights, 170 half-sphere lights, 12 LED strips; run by 19 light channels and 2 transformers
– 1x standard electrical power outlet is required
– The installation requires 2-3 art handlers. The neon tubes are extremely fragile and must be connected by a qualifed profressional with electrical expertise

–Forklift or a material lift required

– The installation requires 2-3 art handlers. The neon tubes are extremely fragile and require a professional electrician to be installed

COMPONENTS INCLUDED IN SALE
– Marquee (hardware included inside sculpture)
– Neon lights + 2 spares
– Screws and spare neon holders, screws and siliceous
– iPad mini wireless remote control with Kiosc App
– Installation manual
– Certificate of authenticity