Oru the Listening Tree
Oru is an origami-inspired interactive Christmas tree that glows in response to human presence, wishes, and words, acting as a sculptural meeting point between tradition, sustainability, and transformation. Named after the Japanese word 折る oru meaning to fold, Oru reimagines the festive tree as a living symbol of renewal. Formed from folded 100 percent recyclable aluminium, the piece draws on the ancient art of origami, which historically featured in Shinto rituals to express purity, connection, and the spiritual act of intention made visible through form. Its gradient from white at the tip to soft green at the base mirrors a journey from wish to regeneration, while its modular structure allows it to be disassembled, reconfigured, and reused year after year. Visitors are invited to reflect on their intentions for the future and to interact with Oru, the listening tree, which responds to sound.
Exhibition dates sponsors and partners
Oru will be publicly revealed on 12 November 2025 at 18:00 and will remain on view through 6 January 2026. The project is sponsored by Bronzewood Laser & Visual Solutions and Studio Tech, who said: “Having only recently collaborated with Amy on the delivery of another of her sculptures, it’s been a pleasure to work with her again on Oru. Amy is always a pleasure to work with, she has a clear creative vision from the start and brings a real sense of collaboration to the process.” Partners on the project include the Royal College of Art, the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, the Design Museum, and Vestalia Chilton as Project Manager.
About the artist Amy Jackson
Amy Jackson was awarded a scholarship to study Fine Art at the Ruskin School of Art, University of Oxford from 2005 to 2008 and later returned to Oxford’s Smith School of Enterprise and the Environment to read Sustainable Finance. Jackson is a conceptual artist, climate-risk specialist, and human-rights advocate whose practice merges philosophy, nature, and science. Website www.thisisamyjackson.com Instagram @thisisamyjackson.
The open call and selection process
Opportunity Kensington and partners invited students, designers, and artists to rethink what a Christmas tree can be, placing emphasis on durability and encouraging proposals that could be reimagined through future interventions. Judges evaluated submissions for clarity of message, reusability, and practical feasibility, selecting Oru as the standout finalist while recognising several highly impressive runners up whose work will also be showcased.
Runners up
The runners up are Interlocking Christmas Tree by Adalberto Lonardi, Spiral of Joy by Julián Rodríguez Jirau, Spoonful by Emma Lindwall and Siana Bezuhanova, and Tree of Kindness by SustainLab RCA. The judges were hugely impressed by these entries and plans are underway to feature them alongside the winning installation.
Feedback from organisers and local leaders
Justine Locker, Chair of Opportunity Kensington, said: “We are so pleased with the success of the open call – Oru – the Listening Tree, is a stunning, sustainable installation by Amy Jackson – a real showstopper.” Cllr Johnny Thalassites, Lead Member for Environment and Planning for the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, commented: “I was delighted to be part of the Open Call judging panel for a Reusable Christmas Tree, and was very impressed with the quality of submissions. Oru stood out aesthetically, as well as nailing the brief. I look forward to it being installed on our iconic High St Kensington, just outside the Design Museum.”
