THE SCENT OF LIGHT: MAY 6, 2022
LIQUID MEMORIES: MAY 13, 2022
CONCEPT
// 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-o 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.
The Scent of Light was premiered to a sold-out audience at Wasserman Projects gallery in Detroit's Eastern Market on May 6, 2022.
// Liquid Memories is an aural/scented interpretation of water as an infinite collection of memories along its journey through ever-evolving forms.
As audience members enter the space, the grounding bass notes of seaweed, Fenugreek, olive, and ginger set the tone, dispersed via a room fragrance of scented dry ice. As the first musical work Kringen begins, the bass notes are then layered with the heart notes of Nigella, Champaca, Choya Nakh, and Arina. Kringen, the Dutch term for "circles", is an aural reference to the ripples formed upon water from the throw of a stone. This rippling motif is implied throughout, in the form of the melancholy nostalgia of a calm rainfall to the swirling outpouring of infinitely overlapping circles.
Following an intermission, the top notes of Sumac, Jonquil, Cognac, and Elemi, are elevated as the final complement to the bass and heart notes. The top notes are paired with two works by Kelly Moran. Helix II relates to generational memory and the seemingly infinite and elegant helical strand of DNA and Water Music is an ode to water's undulating trance.
As the apex of bass, heart, and top notes are reached, the experience concludes with Solo Devil's Dance IV, an exciting and incessant dance of shimmering fire atop of water.
Audience members depart with small vials of the custom scents created by Sfumato Fragrances. These one-o 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.
Liquid Memories was premiered to a sold-out audience at Wasserman Projects gallery in Detroit's Eastern Market on May 13, 2022.
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PROGRAMS
The Scent of Light (CLICK HERE FOR PERFORMANCE VIDEO PLAYLIST)
Natalon In E - Simeon Ten Holt
High and Low - Molly Joyce
Phrygian Gates - John Adams
Liquid Memories (CLICK HERE FOR PERFORMANCE VIDEO PLAYLIST)
Kringen - Bart Spaan
Helix II + Water Music - Kelly Moran
Solo Devil’s Dance IV - Simeon Ten Holt
2022 PREMIERE LOCATION
Wasserman Projects is a flexible and constantly evolving program of art, design, and music, that brings together artists of all disciplines. Our mission is to promote the work of outstanding practitioners based locally and around the globe by hosting exhibitions, conversations, and supporting creativity wherever we can be useful. Through collaborations and programming that generates interest, curiosity, and commerce, our goal is to become one of the many threads in the vibrant fabric that is Detroit.
In tandem with the Winter 2022 Exhibition Cast Illusions, featuring work by artists Jessica Dolence (WA), Beth Katleman (NY), Sarah Meyohas (NY/London), and Victoria Shaheen (NJ). This four-woman exhibition blends the classical and the contemporary across a wide range of material approaches including digital animation, ceramics, photography, holography, and neon.
Wasserman Projects Director: Alison Wong
SPONSORED BY
Faber Piano Institute and Faber Piano Adventures
