Olfactory ART project OASIS; JEJU Island, South Korea

 

In this NOSY BLOG, I want to tell you more about my upcoming Olfactory art project on the picturesque Jeju Island in South Korea.

 

About a month and a half ago, I was approached by the Seoul Gourmet Organization with a request to consider creating an Olfactory Tour on Jeju Island in South Korea. They asked if I would be willing to develop this idea based on my background as a olfactory artist and scent psychologist.

 

Although I was somewhat overwhelmed by this unique proposal, I wholeheartedly said 'yes' and delved into the history of this volcanic island. Soon, I discovered that Jeju Island harbors many special traditions and communicates certain core values: 'Rocks, Wind, and Women.' These core values inspired me to translate them into a scent experience, leading to the concept of the scent art project 'OASIS.'

 

The Birth of OASIS

'OASIS' - is an acronym standing for 'Olfactory Art Sceneries In Scent.' OASIS will be an on-site Olfactory art project, existing at the intersection of artistic expression and the evocative power of scent. The idea of an 'Olfactory ART Tour' has transformed into an exploration of Jeju Island, where I aim to bring together biodiversity, cultural heritage, art, and the island's scents.

 

Exploring the Essence of Jeju Island

The scents I will use for the OASIS project represent the true essence of the mentioned core values: Rocks, Wind, and Women. These values are intertwined with the island's history and culture, forming the thematic basis for the various scent experiences in the art project.

Rocks: Protection and Vitality

The core value 'Rocks' is linked to the symbolism of protection - it is the foundation of the island due to its volcanic and fertile nature. The scents I have chosen for this category are related to these aspects, including aromas from the UNESCO heritage of Korean shamanistic practices and the ritual use of bitter orange.

 

Wind: Dissemination and Biodiversity

The element 'Wind' symbolizes the spread of life in Korean tradition. This includes scents from diverse flora and a specific type of pine tree thriving on the island's soil. The vital role of beekeeping in preserving biodiversity is also considered. For this, I have selected scents like beeswax, propolis, and pine resin to connect with the 'spirit of the wind.'

 

Women: Heritage and Resilience

The third core value 'Women' pays tribute to the remarkable UNESCO heritage of the Haenyõ - the courageous diving women of Jeju Island. These brave women venture into the depths of the sea in search of seaweed and seafood. It's the scents of the ocean that surround their unique lifestyle and will be featured in the scent project. What I, personally, find especially remarkable is that this island is one of the few places in the world with a matriarchal culture. Girl power it is!

 

The OASIS Space

In a designated space, there will be three objects with scent compositions. Visitors can lie on these objects and enjoy the fragrances. Just as an oasis provides shelter from the vastness of the desert, 'OASIS' can be a refuge amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life - a place where one can relax and gain new experiences through scents.

 

For those who may not (or no longer) know: how does scent perception work? Smell is the only sense with a direct connection to the part of our brains where feelings and memories are formed and stored. By smelling the special scents at this unique location, these memories are anchored. When we smell the scents again at a later moment, the memory, along with the associated feeling, can be recalled.

 

The Festival

The entire 'Olfactory art tour' has now been divided into several elements. The tour will include the experience of the OASIS project during the festival, where Korean top chefs will cook, modern dance performances inspired by incense will be showcased, and I will give daily lectures with olfactory experiences. Additionally, a documentary about the creation of the art project is being produced.The art documentary will capture the various unique scent locations. 

The Olfactory ART tour is led by Rose Han, the driving force behind the Seoul Gourmet Organization. The organization's aim is to explore new culinary and sensory experiences. Previous editions were mainly focused on top chefs showcasing their specialties and offering tastings to the public.

 

Currently, we are busy organizing this exciting adventure centered around the art of scent. As the OASIS project continues to grow, we are eagerly looking forward to the opening of this multisensory art project. From October 26 to 30, Jeju Island will be the stage for this special festival.

 

You can follow the progress of the OASIS art project, locations, and encounters through this  NOSYblog or Instagram.  Have a look at these video's!

Or you can come to Jeju Island to experience it for yourself. ;) 

With fragrant regards,

 

 

Claudia de Vos

Geurambassadeur.nl

The pictures in this BLOG are made by Rose Han

 

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