East West Encounters

For Hong Kong Baptist University’s annual Gala event “East West Encounters,” I designed stage a stage and audiovisual accompaniment that merged cutting-edge technology with orchestral musical expression. Using a combination of projections, LED walls, and a Hologauze, I created a multilayered graphic scene that transformed the Academic Community Hall into a dynamic, multimedia-driven visual environment that responded to and enhanced the musical performances.

A key feature of audiovisual system was the integration of realtime AI-generated imagery. For the headlining piece, Butterfly Lovers, I trained a generative AI to create images inspired by butterfly wing patterns. These intricate, organic patterns formed the basis of the visual narrative, symbolizing the protagonists of the the drama, as well as the delicate interplay between both music and visual art. As renowned solo violinist Yao Jue guided the orchestra through movements ranging from tender to epic, the performance hall underwent a mesmerizing metamorphosis, transitioning from microscopic details of buttefly wings to sweeping, macroscopic landscapes inspired by Chinese traditional landscape painters. The visual journey mirrored the emotional arc of the music, creating a truly multisensory and immersive experience of a classic Chinese tale.

Year Produced: 2024

Materials: Custom LED Stage Design, Projection Design, Holoscreen

Technique: Machine learning, audio analysis, projection and pixel mapping.

Credits: Curation - HKBU Gala

Keywords: Max, Touch Designer, MadMapper