Saint Francis Scent Chamber
Commissioned by The National Gallery for Frieze Masters
Mixed media with moss, frankincense and myrrh
22 x 22 x 53 cm
Founded by food historian Tasha Marks, AVM Curiosities explores the relationship between art and the senses. Championing the use of food as an artistic medium, projects range from museum-style exhibitions and sculptural installations, to interactive lectures and limited-edition confectionery. Alongside edible artwork, AVM Curiosities also work with scent, exploring the powerful mnemonic possibility of the sense of smell - closely linked to long-term memory. By incorporating evocative fragrance into the museum context, scent becomes a powerful tool to enhance and deepen our engagement with artwork and artifacts.
At this year’s Frieze Masters, AVM Curiosities have produced a bespoke scent-chamber in response to The National Gallery’s Saint Francis Renounces His Earthly Father by Sassetta. Using porous lava rocks infused with scent, this 15th century painting has been paired with the aroma of frankincense and myrrh, for its religious connotations and link to Egypt where the resins are harvested, and where Saint Francis’s is believed to have traveled to in 1219. Adding further depth to the aromatic medley will be a base note of moss; an underlying earthy tone, and a fragrant link to Saint Francis, patron saint of animals and the natural environment.
Saint Francis Scent Chamber
Commissioned by The National Gallery for Frieze Masters, Regent's Park, London
8-9 October 2016