Coco Brun's "Landscape Memories": An Olfactory Journey Through Puglia's Coasts
French artist Coco Brun has unveiled an immersive olfactory installation titled "Landscape Memories," which masterfully translates the distinctive terrain of Puglia, Southern Italy, into a tangible, aromatic experience. This project, born during the D.Puglia residency and guided by Gordana Zgonjanin, delves into the region's dynamic coastline, where the relentless forces of erosion and the interplay between land and sea continually sculpt the environment. Through three meticulously crafted ceramic sculptures, Brun evokes the very soul of Puglia, transforming geological narratives into a sensory journey.
These sculptural pieces serve as vessels for a unique aromatic narrative, each diffusing a distinct fragrance. Developed in collaboration with perfumer Laurène Sourdillon of Givaudan Paris, the scents – Marino (sea), Terra (earth), and Bosco (forest) – can be individually perceived from their respective sculptures. As visitors navigate the exhibition space, these individual fragrances intermingle, spontaneously generating a fourth, evolving olfactory impression. This combined aroma, never independently composed, shifts with air currents, visitor movement, and the duration of the experience, offering a truly dynamic and personal encounter with Puglia's essence. The diffusion is facilitated by ORB, a dry-air device by Genius Loci, integrated seamlessly into the sculptures, further enhancing this innovative blend of art and science.
Sculpted Scents: Interpreting Puglia's Terrain Through Ceramic Artistry
Coco Brun's "Landscape Memories" installation masterfully transforms the distinctive coastal features of Puglia, Italy, into a compelling sensory experience through three unique ceramic sculptures. These pieces are not merely visual representations; they are a deep exploration of the region's natural processes, drawing inspiration from caves and subterranean geological formations. Each sculpture's surface meticulously replicates patterns obtained from 3D scans of Puglian caves, brought to life through an intricate ceramic extrusion process perfected in Milan with SuperForma.
The creation of these sculptures involves a precise programmed printing technique, building layers that reveal the intrinsic behavior of clay during its various stages: printing, drying, and firing. This process results in visible drips, twists, and organic irregularities that chronicle the material's transformation, echoing the natural erosion of Puglia's landscapes. Designed with a modular framework, the sculptures can be reconfigured, allowing for diverse spatial arrangements. Integrated openings are thoughtfully incorporated to facilitate the circulation of both air and the distinct fragrances, enhancing the immersive experience of the installation.
A Multisensory Voyage: The Olfactory Tapestry of Puglia
In "Landscape Memories," the collaboration between artist Coco Brun and perfumer Laurène Sourdillon of Givaudan Paris culminates in an exquisite olfactory tapestry, weaving together the essence of Puglia's diverse ecosystems. Three primary scents—Marino, Terra, and Bosco—are individually encapsulated within dedicated ceramic sculptures, each designed to evoke the unique aromas of the sea, the rich earth, and the lush Mediterranean vegetation, respectively. This thoughtful design allows visitors to engage with each fragrance in isolation, appreciating its distinct character.
However, the true innovation of the installation lies in the spontaneous emergence of a fourth, uncomposed fragrance as these individual scents permeate and interact within the exhibition environment. This ephemeral aroma, influenced by air currents and the movement of visitors, offers a continuously evolving sensory narrative, making each encounter uniquely personal. The integration of ORB, a dry-air diffusion system from Genius Loci, ensures a subtle yet consistent release of these fragrances. Presented at Villa Saporiti during the Lake Como Design Festival, this installation not only pushes the boundaries of sensory art but also announces future iterations in 2027, promising further exploration of Puglia's landscapes through reimagined sculptures and new textile and graphic works.