Siobhán McDonald - A library of Lost Smells
A Library of lost smells Is a slow distillation of deep time created from plants and mineral rich bog waters, that explores links between smell & memory. The installation holds an assortment of hand blown glass bottles containing scent from eight of the most important notes. Some of the vessels contain scent infused remnants that were buried deep in a bog for over 20 years alluding to the low oxygen levels and unusual smells derived from the preservation conditions. The artwork employs the senses to cultivate an intimate, intuitive experience that aims to transport participants through time as a reminder of the medicinal properties in the pharmacy beneath our feet. [...] Inspired by NatPro’s approach to create connections to the ancient, rich and fertile landscapes and unique biodiversity that has accumulated over many millions of years, Siobhán explores how a number of these plants have historic documented use in ancient Medicine for a variety of cures which she sutured together into a delicate shroud.
I wanted to create a living sculpture driven by tales of plants and alchemy in Irish folklore. I wanted to create something physical because smell is so difficult to visualise.
