As part of our “Five minutes with…” series we took time out with the artists behind Rainbow Accordion and Affinity – Amigo & Amigo.
With two artworks featured on the River of Light trail this year, Amigo & Amigo have returned for the second year running after their incredibly popular installation in 2021. Inspired by a traditional accordion, Rainbow Accordion, features six giant colourful interconnected archways, which sit on an interactive pad that when jumped on, sends light and sound through the archway.
Also located in Liverpool ONE, in Chavasse Park, is Amigo & Amigo’s second installation, Affinity, an interactive light and sound installation inspired by the human brain featuring 62 different colour combinations and 45 points of interactivity.
5 Minutes with Amigo and Amigo
Hi Amigo and Amigo, welcome to River of Light! You’ve returned to work with us at Culture Liverpool for the second year on River of Light – how does that feel?
It feels wonderful, we love River of Light. This year we are bringing a new work designed specifically for ROL, which we are very excited about.
Did it feel like a challenge coming back with another artwork after your incredibly popular feature last year?
Not really, each artwork has a different personality . We just hope people will enjoy Affinity and Rainbow Accordion as much as Trumpet Flowers.
Your artwork, Rainbow Accordion is appearing publicly for the first time here at River of Light – how do you feel about this being the first preview of your incredible artwork and soundscape?
It’s wonderful! The team here are very supportive which makes it easier to show a new work. We will literally be seeing it all assembled for the first time here in Liverpool. We worked with the wonderful musicians from Sydney Otis Studios, they have recorded an accordion musician and created these wonderful sounds.
Could you tell us a bit about your inspiration behind “Rainbow Accordion” in terms of the light and sound installations?
The Accordion is inspired by the traditional instrument, we wanted to take that form and twist it into something new. The sound of the accordion is synonymous with European streets and buskers. so it feels like it belongs in this urban environment.
Your artwork is interactive so the public can get involved to make the light and music play as part of the installation – what made you opt for an interactive artwork?
We love interactive work, its important for us to engage the public to promote play but also make them feel like they are contributing to the piece.
Liverpool has a thriving cultural and artistic scene – could you tell us what your favourite thing(s) are about the cultural scene in Liverpool?
The people are the best here, they are very open , boisterous and experimental. We also love bringing our works to see how they are received.
Liverpool is a UNESCO City of Music – we’re famous for our creative music scene – do you have any advice for anyone wanting to get into the combined music and arts scene in particular?
I think assemble an awesome team of people who encourage and inspire you, I’m not a musician but we work with talented musicians.
If anyone is thinking about coming down to River of Light but is unsure, what would you say to them to explain why they should come and see your artwork and listen to the soundscape?
Its a great vibe down here, i think the curation this year has been really well done. There is definitely something for everybody. The works also consider accessibility and inclusion so I think anyone can enjoy.
Aside from your own creative works, is there any other artwork that you’re particularly keen on seeing?
I did the walk last night, all the works are wonderful and bring something different.
Speaking of other artworks and artists, you’ve been working with other River of Light artists in our communities with Make Bank creating origami accordions with young people in Liverpool. Could you tell us a bit more about what motivated you to get involved in this community engagement and what you’ve been doing?
When we bring our projects to the public, we connect to community through the interactive elements allowing them to impact and play with our artworks. To be able to engage on a personal level with young people really allows us to give a bit back and also feel inspired. We are playful people who love to create and experiment, to encourage this in kids is really important.
Your work is inspirational, and you clearly have a keen interest in supporting the next generation of artists, do you have any advice for anyone wanting to get into the creative sector?
Yes! Surround yourself with people who encourage you and open to your ideas, work and make and test and play – the more you do the more you learn. At the end of the day it’s all about community and practice
Where can people go to find out more about your work and where you will be next?
Our instagram – Amigo & Amigo
