Have you ever imagined what a painting smells like?
On Sunday, November 10, 2019, a workshop program at the Ohara Museum of Art, “Quietly Fragrant Art Appreciation: Create Your Own Scented Amulet,” was held.
This workshop involves creating a fragrance inspired by a work of art.
We covered the first of the three workshop dates.
Photography is normally prohibited inside the Ohara Museum of Art. We were granted special permission to take photographs this time.
The information presented here was accurate when this article was published in November 2019. Please note that it may differ from current information.
Overview of the Iko de Ohara program: Quietly Fragrant Art Appreciation: Create Your Own Scented Amulet
The Ohara Museum of Art plans and runs workshops under the title “Iko de Ohara.”
These hands-on programs aim to help participants become familiar with art and museums, expand their imaginations, and express themselves.
One of the “Iko de Ohara” programs is “Quietly Fragrant Art Appreciation: Create Your Own Scented Amulet.”
Participants view works in the Ohara Museum of Art collection and create an oil fragrance inspired by a work of art.
The workshop is held three times.
The information common to all sessions is as follows.
| Program | Quietly Fragrant Art Appreciation: Create Your Own Scented Amulet |
|---|---|
| Time | 2:00 p.m.–3:30 p.m. |
| Capacity | 15 people per session *Advance reservations required |
| Participation fee | ¥2,000 (tax included) |
| Instructor | Satomi Kawada |
The works featured and the eligible age groups vary by date.
| Date | Works featured | Eligible participants | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sunday, November 10, 2019 | 19th- and 20th-century Western paintings | Junior high school students and older | Ohara Museum of Art Main Building |
| Sunday, December 8, 2019 | 19th- and 20th-century Western paintings | Elementary school students and their guardians | Ohara Museum of Art Main Building |
| Saturday, January 11, 2020 | Contemporary Japanese art | Junior high school students and older | Ohara Museum of Art (Annex) |
According to information as of November 10, 2019, only a few places remained for the second session on December 8.
There were still places available for January 11, 2020, so applications were being accepted.
Workshop report
Here is a report on the workshop held on November 10, 2019.
Discussing fragrances while viewing a work of art as a group
First, we received an explanation of the workshop.
Then we split into groups and carefully viewed a work of art together with a staff member.
Looking at the painting and talking with the staff, we explored our impressions in greater depth.
- What is depicted?
- What time of day do you think it is?
- What kind of place are they in?
- What colors are used in the background?
- What might it smell like?
- Where is the fragrance coming from?
- Is it one kind of fragrance?
Everyone seemed to enjoy answering, even as they pondered the questions.
As I considered what kind of scene it might be and why those colors were used, I found that looking at the work while imagining its fragrance changed how I saw it.
Everyone experiences things differently.
Hearing other participants’ opinions led to discoveries such as, “I can see it that way now,” and “I see—so that’s another way to interpret it.”
Choosing a favorite work and imagining its fragrance
We gathered again to hear the next instructions.
“Let’s put into words what the artwork is saying to you,” we were told, and given notes to write down our impressions.
- What is depicted?
- How does it make you feel?
- What kind of fragrance would you like to create?
We chose a favorite work and thought about its fragrance as we viewed it.
Participants gazed intently at the paintings.
What did they feel from the paintings, and what kind of fragrance were they trying to create?
Learning about fragrance
After choosing a work and settling on an idea for the fragrance they wanted to create, participants moved to another room.
Instructor Satomi Kawada gave an explanation.
In this workshop, participants choose three essential oils, blend them, and create an oil fragrance.
Essential oils are concentrated aromatic compounds extracted from plants.
We were told that the sense of smell acts more directly on our instincts than sight or hearing.
“It’s fine to go with ‘I feel like this suits the painting.’ Try choosing by trusting your intuition,” she advised.
Rather than thinking only about the work itself, you can also draw fragrance ideas from “yourself as you experience the work.”
“The fragrance you choose because you like it may help you catch a message from deep within yourself.
Fragrance and emotion are linked, so reflect on how you see the work in light of how you feel now, and trust your inspiration.”
That was her advice.
Choosing fragrances
First, participants smelled 15 essential oils without being told their names.
They jotted down their impressions of each scent, such as fresh, cooling, or crisp.
They carefully considered which scents matched the image they wanted to create.
After trying all 15 scents, they read the descriptions.
They could decide based on the scent alone, or read the descriptions and think it over.
The descriptions included not only the names of the scents, but also their effects and keywords such as “purifying scent,” “quiet blessing,” and “self-actualization.”
The scents they chose could also turn their attention inward.
They might think, “The fact that I was drawn to the ‘scent of transformation’ means maybe I want to change something.”
The workshop had a warm atmosphere, and laughter could be heard.
Once they had chosen three scents, they were blended in the right proportions, then labeled to complete the fragrance.
The fragrance goes into a roll-on bottle, making it easy to use every day with a simple swipe.
Applying it to the wrists or behind the ears is customary, but apparently you can also apply it to your chest to enjoy the scent yourself.
If stored away from direct sunlight, the fragrance can be enjoyed for about six months.
I got to smell some of the fragrances made by the participants.
The woman who created a fragrance inspired by Monet’s Water Lilies said she had no trouble choosing her three scents.
To me, it had a pure freshness and a sense of elegance.
A university student who created a fragrance inspired by Jean Fautrier’s Hostages made one that was somehow cool and stylish.
The woman who created a fragrance inspired by Bonnard’s Cat on the Railing told me, “I want it to smell like a cat.”
Even people inspired by the same artwork ended up with different fragrances.
The participants smelled one another’s finished fragrances, asking, “What does it smell like?” Their excitement grew as they said, “That smells lovely!” and “Which oils did you choose?”
Everyone seemed pleased with the fragrances they had carefully created!
Interview with Instructor Kawada
I spoke with the instructor, Satomi Kawada.
How did you hope participants would approach the workshop?
Kawada
I wanted them to enjoy it with an open mind, without being limited to what was depicted in the artwork.
I hoped they would value their own feelings—what they themselves felt.
I hope the fragrance they take home will bring back memories of today.
What did you think of the participants’ reactions?
Kawada
I’m happy they liked the fragrances they made and seemed to have a good time.
What Participants Thought
When I asked the participants what they thought, these were some of their responses.
- It was fun because it was such a rare opportunity.
- I’d never blended fragrances before, so I’m glad I got to make one.
- I was worried about how the scents I chose would smell when mixed, but it turned out lovely.
- Using my sense of smell gave me a different perspective from how I usually look at things, which was interesting.
I Tried It Too
The workshop looked like so much fun, so I decided to try it too.
I wanted to make “a scent that would make me feel like a classy woman when I wore it,” so I narrowed down the direction and chose an artwork.
I looked for an artwork that felt elegant and happy, seemed to have a lovely scent, and drew me in.
After debating whether to choose Modigliani or Matisse, I settled on Aman-Jean’s Hair.
The painting shows a woman tying up her hair on an oval canvas.
She has finished getting ready. Is she about to make herself even more beautiful?
As I gazed at the painting and imagined its scent, I felt as if a rich, sweet, floral fragrance were wafting toward me.
Blending the scents I chose created a fragrance with a hint of youthful freshness beneath its sweetness.
Every now and then, I roll some on behind my ears. Remembering the elegance of the artwork makes me feel luxurious, and it made me realize just how powerful scent can be.
Create a Fragrance to Remember
They say scents can easily bring back memories.
It would be lovely to remember an artwork through an oil-based fragrance you can enjoy every day.
What artwork would you choose, what would you feel, and what kind of fragrance would you create?
Why not use your sense of smell to appreciate an artwork and create a fragrance inspired by your imagination?
Articles About the Ohara Museum of Art
Iko de Ohara: Quietly Fragrant Viewing Event Information
| Name | Iko de Ohara: Quietly Fragrant Viewing Event |
|---|---|
| Location | 1-1-15 Chuo, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Contact | 086-422-0005 |
| Parking | None |
| Opening hours | Sunday, November 10, 2019; Sunday, December 8, 2019; Saturday, January 11, 2020 2:00 p.m.–3:30 p.m. each day Advance reservations required |
| Admission (tax included) | ¥2,000 (tax included) *Includes admission to the Ohara Museum of Art buildings serving as the venue |
| Payment methods |
|
| Reservations | Available Advance reservations by email required See the official website for how to apply |
| Smoking | Non-smoking (smoking permitted only in designated areas) |
| Restrooms | Western-style toilets, Japanese-style toilets, accessible toilets |
| Childcare | Nursing room, diaper-changing tables, stroller rental The nursing room is in the Craft Museum Diaper-changing tables are on the second floor of the Main Building and in the Craft Museum |
| Accessibility | Wheelchair rental, ramps, accessible toilets, elevator |
| Website | Iko de Ohara Project: Quietly Fragrant Viewing Event—Create a Fragrant Charm Just for You | Ohara Museum of Art |
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