In this installation we share the importance of play when creating, exploring, researching and making. When the landscape of smell is quickly crowded by expertise, institution or the market it's an important reminder to invite fresh voices to the table and that true research and innovations begin firmly in play. The Odorbet is an open place without authorship, where reader you should reach out and contribute . This is not a hierarchy, this is a learning zone for our noses. This is what democracy smells like.
Some inspiration here from 1. the pioneer in creating playful descriptors for words which leads her to larger projects of consequence, Sissel Tolaas; 2. the anthropological nose advocate par excellence David Howes, 3. The art historical olfactory expert Caro Verbeek; 4. and representing the layman category, though just as welcome here is the ever nose curious, ever clever Doug Epstein.
Description: Based on the word 'conaisseur'. ''Conoseur" or Conoseurship' indicates an expertise in the realm of smell. - Caro Verbeek
Andy Warhol was a true 'conoseur' when it came to perfume and other scent-related items. He collected olfactory artefacts such as Penny Arcade Machines and cleaning products that became part of what he called his 'Permanent Smell Collection", which is now kept at the Andy Warhol Museum in Pittsburgh.
Description: To be angered by a smell - Doug Epstein
I was insensed by the overwhelming odor of cheap cinnamon at the VRBO we rented.
Description: A nasalnaut is someone who navigates the world by smell. - Sisell Tollaas
In my view, this is what will save us because it will teach us to think differently. We all need to become nasalnauts now. - Sissel Tolaas
Description: To be nose-wise is to be smell proficient, like visually intelligent but with the nose versus the eyes. - David Howes
In the Bay of Bengal live the Ongee people. A “nose-wise” society, they treat olfaction with as much importance as Western vision. When the West once asked the Ongee for help in making a map of their land, the Ongee man responded: “All the places in space are constantly changing. The creek is never the same; …. Your map tells lies. Places change. Does your map say that?” (Pandya 1991). - David Howes, 2002