Aromapoetry

Axel Heise
Source: Axel Heise

Eduardo Kac

Aromapoetry , ongoing
Co-workers & Funding
Aromapoetry was commissioned by OpenLab, Paris, and Enghien-les-Bains Art Center, and produced with the generous support of Niki Baccile, Margherita Balzerani, and Thierry Azaïs.
Documents
  • Aromapoetry
    image/jpeg
    1116 × 743
  • Kac Aromapoetry Diagram
    image/jpeg
    1116 × 862
  • Kac and Aromapoetry
    image/jpeg
    1116 × 720
Description
"Every poem in the book Aromapoetry employs nanotechnology by binding an extremely thin layer of porous glass (200 nanometers thick) to every page, trapping the odorants (i.e. the volatile molecules) and releasing them very slowly. Without this nanotechnology, the fragrances would quickly dissipate and the smells would no longer be experienced after a few days. To ensure even greater longevity, a set of small bottles is integrated into the book, allowing the reader to recharge every individual page. With an eye to the distant future, the book’s summary presents key molecules used in the production of each poem." (Kac, 2011)
Keywords
  • aesthetics
    • assembled
    • olfactory
    • site-specific
  • genres
    • bioart
  • subjects
    • Arts and Visual Culture
      • poetry
    • Body and Psychology
      • breathing
      • perception
      • senses
Technology & Material
Material
Nanotechnology, glass, artist's book
Method
Aromapoetry is a book to be read with the nose.
Method
"Every poem in the book Aromapoetry employs nanotechnology by binding an extremely thin layer of porous glass (200 nanometers thick) to every page, trapping the odorants (i.e. the volatile molecules) and releasing them very slowly. Without this nanotechnology, the fragrances would quickly dissipate and the smells would no longer be experienced after a few days. To ensure even greater longevity, a set of small bottles is integrated into the book, allowing the reader to recharge every individual page. With an eye to the distant future, the book’s summary presents key molecules used in the production of each poem." (Kac, 2011)
Bibliography