The Scent of Light

at Wasserman Projects (Detroit) / May 6, 2022

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The Scent of Light is a performance that explores the ways in which light can be interpreted via sound and scent composition to create a unique synesthetic experience. It is an invitation to break away from the mundane, transcend the boundaries of human perception, and explore our profound and intertwined sensory capabilities. The musical program is conceptually inspired by the “sound” of light, comprised of solo piano works by composers Simeon Ten Holt, Molly Joyce, and John Adams. The program integrates scents crafted specifically for this experience by Detroit-based Sfumato Fragrances, which intermingle throughout the space in harmony with the soundscape.

This immersive performance removes the performer-audience separation by seating audience members on stage in an asymmetrical geometric formation surrounding the piano. Audience members enter the performance space greeted by a room fragrance functioning as the base notes of the program-specific custom scent. As each musical work is performed on the program, a corresponding scent pairing is layered on top of the base notes, culminating in a fully realized three-layer fragrance by the end of the experience.

The first half of the musical program includes the substantive five-movement minimalist-romantic work Natalon In E (composed 1979-1980) by Simeon Ten Holt and is an aural representation of chiaroscuro (light and shadow). Following an intermission, the second half of the program begins with the techno-driven work High And Low by Molly Joyce (2017), musically depicting bright neon light and mirrored refractions. The program ends with Phrygian Gates (1977-1978) by John Adams as an interpretation of the glittering of light reflected upon water, and light as a source of energy. Together these compositions suggest synesthetic parallels between light and sound. The two halves of the program will each be paired with custom-made scents by Sfumato Fragrances, representing two olfactory interpretations of the music itself and the "scent" of light.

Audience members depart with small vials of the custom scents created by Sfumato Fragrances. These one-off olfactory souvenirs are an opportunity to relive this experience in the form of a scented memory long after the performance, much in the same way as listening or watching to documentation of this program may trigger complementary olfactory memories.

AUDIO-VISUAL DOCUMENTATION (CLICK BELOW)

SCENT/SOUND PAIRINGS