Smell is often undervalued, typically regarded as inferior among our senses. It’s only when one loses the ability to smell—either temporarily or permanently—that its significance becomes apparent. Smell is elusive; when we detect the scent of a banana, we aren’t smelling the fruit itself, but the volatile compounds it releases. While we appreciate visual and auditory arts, the realms of taste and smell generally remain ignored.
In an innovative move, a project in Germany named Osmodrama aims to elevate smell into the art domain. Created by Wolfgang Georgsdorf, this project features an olfactory organ that delivers a variety of scents played like a musical instrument, allowing users to experience a "smell story."
Wolfgang, along with Chris Kelly from AbScent—a charity focused on smell loss—and philosopher Professor Barry Smith, joined in a dialogue about Osmodrama. At a conference on smell dysfunction, both Chris and Barry were captivated by the experience of Odorama and shared their desire to bring it to London.
Wolfgang explained that Osmodrama enables users to engage a MIDI keyboard to control and blend scents, similar to how organists play music, utilizing sound recording and processing technology to create a layered olfactory experience. Smells are emitted in a clean, precise manner—each one distinct and without lingering effects.
The experience at Osmodrama is akin to attending a concert, where participants collectively breathe in a series of smells that transition smoothly from one to the next. This "smell narrative" begins with earthy swamp scents, progressing through vegetation, fruits, and even industrial smells towards the conclusion.
The dialogue also touched on the crossmodal nature of our sensory perception. Wolfgang indicated that these experiences focus on pure synesthetics, introducing new terminology like "odience" and "smelodies" to categorize the olfactory components.
Despite the longstanding perception of smell as a lower art form, Barry noted that there’s significant interest from artists in exploring olfactory experiences. The Osmodrama offers a fresh approach, contrasting with traditional methods that often involve passive interactions with smells.
Wolfgang expressed his ambition to expand the capabilities of Osmodrama, eventually envisioning it as a synthesizer with the capacity to create smells on demand. This innovation could find applications in science, education, and the arts, enhancing experiences across various fields.
The machine requires substantial logistical support, currently needing two trucks to transport it. Wolfgang is eager to present this olfactory art form in London, where its immersive experience could be further explored in galleries and even utilized for educational purposes in olfactory training.
In response to questions about crafting scent compositions, Wolfgang explained that he collaborates with perfumers to synthesize smells, allowing for precise control over the olfactory palette and thereby enhancing the storytelling experience through the layered aromas.
The Osmodrama project is pioneering in its approach to engaging a sense often overlooked in the artistic community, prompting a re-evaluation of how we perceive and appreciate the influence of smell in our lives.
For more about Osmodrama, visit osmodrama.com.