【The first Gnomes Orchestra in Asia】

“We love creating interactive light installations in large-scale spaces. Surprises are guaranteed when you create something on a monumental scale – especially in Hong Kong. More importantly, large-scale works also allow interaction among people.”

This year marks the 10th anniversary of Amigo & Amigo, an acclaimed Australian light art studio founded by Simone Chau in 2012. In keeping with their motto, ‘We Love Play', ‘play’ and ‘create’ underline their success on the international stage.

“It is easy to forget how to play when we grow up and lose our innocence. Therefore our aim has always been to encourage children to play while sparking adult curiosity, fostering intergenerational joy through participation.”

【Christmas Gnomes as musical maestros】

There is no better time than Christmas to work with like-minded creatives – and this year Lee Gardens collaborates with Amigo & Amigo to debut a range of light-art-music installations in Hong Kong.

“It was such a special experience to be invited by Lee Gardens for this collaboration. We explored the theme of ‘Gnomes Orchestra’ by infusing folk stories of Christmas gnomes into a symphony of light and music.”

Exhibition highlights include four Christmas scenes: the Magical Symphony of Gnomes Orchestra with Giant Accordion Archways at Hysan Place 1/F Atrium; the Colourful Trumpet Floral Garden at Hysan Place G/F Kai Chiu Road entrance; the Spotty Christmas Tree at Lee Theatre Plaza G/F Piazza; and in its first appearance in Asia, the Sparkling Musical Christmas Tunnel at Lee Garden One Pavement. Adorable gnomes will turn into music maestros – Accordionist Gnome, Flutist Gnome and Xylophonist Gnome – and invite you to interact with the installations for a whimsical and unforgettable Christmas.

【Immersive installation with interactive sensors】

Once you step into the immersive installation, you will realise that many of its elements relate to sound and light. “We started with a graphic design, then added new orchestral elements to make every gnome a little musician in their own right. Features like pressable buttons, infrared sensors and sound effects help the public to interact with art and to create a truly immersive environment.”

Simone emphasised that these features were tailored-made for the site. For example, the Accordionist Gnome at Hysan Place 1/F Atrium plays its rainbow-shaped accordion when an infrared sensor detects the movement of nearby visitors. Music from a Columbian accordionist also echoes in the space. At Gnomes Orchestra, you will discover the fun of a multi-sensory experience.