The nose of the Beholder
The world has witnessed a renaissance of olfactory culture, studied and nurtured by artists, designers and academics. Stench however – as the least favored manifestation of everything smellable – is still mostly ignored. Yet it has inspired renowned writers such as James Joyce and Marquis de Sade. ‘The Perfume’ by Patrick Süskind is even based on the social dichotomy of the foul and fragrant. During this edition, different artists, academics and other experts dive into the smelly business of scent-culture. To what extent is the experience of stench a natural disposition, or is disgust mainly culturally constructed?
Marjolijn Boterenbrood
In her work, artist and researcher Marjolijn Boterenbrood often uses touch and smell as a primary means to discover a landscape. During this Odorama, she presents a collection of stories on a certain space.
Cris Neill
Of all literary modernists, James Joyce is most conspicuously associated with malodour. Many commentaries point towards Joyce's Paraphilia, in explaining his excessive attention to smells. During his talk, Cris Neill comments on the fact that Joyce's visual impairment was involved as well. Particular emphasis will be given to Joyce’s infamous scatological correspondence of 1909.
Yeb Wiersma and Lotte Geeven
Visual artists Yeb Wiersma and Lotte Geeven invited 100 people living in a specific neighbourhood in Ghent to take part in the making of an essence. This resulted in the creation of ‘Diffusion, Essence de Rabot’.
The Skunk of the Amsterdam Zoo
Of all creatures, the Skunk is most infamous for his foul odor. For this edition of Odorama, Frank Bloem and Sanne Groeneveld visited the Skunks of Artis. Experience their report with all your senses during this edition of Odorama.
Information
Odorama: Foul, Fragrant and Filthy
Thursday 24 May
Program starts at 20:30
Mediamatic Biotoop, Dijksgracht 6, Amsterdam
Tickets: €7,50 pre-sale | €5 students (excl. Administration fee) | €10 at the door.
