Venice Biennale’s Korean Pavilion to Explore the Power of Scent

SEOUL — The Korean Pavilion at this year's Venice Biennale will present an innovative exhibition centered around the theme of scent, aiming to engage visitors in a unique sensory journey. Jacob Fabricius, co-art director of the pavilion, introduced the concept of "Odorama Cities" at a press briefing in Seoul, highlighting scent's ability to evoke memories and emotions.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the exhibition will feature works by Koo Jeong A, a celebrated multimedia and installation artist known for her exploration of invisible elements such as scents to create immersive experiences. The project, developed in collaboration with Lee Seol-hui and involving contributions from people worldwide, seeks to capture the essence of Korean scent memories through various artistic mediums.

"Odorama Cities" will consist of several elements, including a large bronze sculpture, an engraved wooden floor, Mobius strips, a wall painting, and 16 installation scents. These components are designed to reflect the complex nature of scent memories and their connection to personal and collective experiences.

The exhibition, which aligns with the Biennale's overarching theme of "Foreigners Everywhere," promises to offer a boundary-transcending exploration of scent as a powerful communicator of culture and identity. The Venice Biennale is set to open on April 20, providing a global platform for this unique sensory exploration.

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