'Look to the light, Follow the Light, Learn from the Light!' - Illuminati
London based artist Illuminati draws on his punk roots and lifelong passion for rock music, its attitude, articulation and cultural dynamism. Using vintage and historic flags, clothing and distressed materials which he crowns with neon and in doing so brings new life to these lost materials and phrases.
Every neon art piece is hand blown to the highest standard and created in Illuminati's west London studio.
Mark Illuminati was born into a family of painters, many of whom had settled in the artistic hub of St Ives, Cornwall. Creativity was in his blood, but his artistic journey took a distinctive turn after a chance meeting with new wave musician Adam Ant at the age of 11. This encounter sparked a fascination with the punk subculture and its raw expression of working-class rebellion.
While studying at art college, Mark frequently travelled to London, where the punk scene was alive and buzzing. He quickly became part of the movement, forming lasting friendships with key figures such as members of the Sex Pistols and the Stranglers — relationships that have stood the test of time. His creative career began in film, working as a cameraman and director of photography for legendary bands like The Police and Frankie Goes to Hollywood before eventually joining the BBC.
Now based in London, Mark draws on his punk roots and deep connection to rock music in his artwork. His pieces reflect the energy and defiance of the punk era, using vintage flags, clothing, and distressed materials, which he transforms with vibrant neon elements. This fusion of past and present breathes new life into forgotten objects and phrases, turning them into bold artistic statements.
Illuminati’s neon works have gained recognition worldwide, with pieces held in the private collections of celebrities like Sir Elton John, Sting, and Boy George. His punk-inspired portrait series of Queen Elizabeth II — featuring blue hair, a diamond nose ring, and a tattoo of the Royal Crest — became iconic when Her Majesty officially approved it in 2019.