Post Studio Project 2: Smell Pieces (Baldessari #52)

          For my second Post Studio Project I was given one of three John Baldessari assignment that I chose from his rather large list. My first reaction was to limit people's senses, have them imagine a smell based on how it looks and its name, but since this is conceptual art I need to look outside the box. Interactive pieces are usually a good choice primarily because the outcome always depends upon the participants. As the initial component I created a sent of my very own that I thought would represent warmth (sugar, cloves, thyme, etc.) and have each person give me the word that came to mind upon smelling it. Those words are: spicy, pumpkin pie, warm, winter, orange balls (and by this they meant Pomander Balls), cooking, pepper, and Havdalah (the ceremony marking the conclusion of Shabbat). 
          The next part of the performance included a new addition of word sensory. Each participant grabbed a word out of a bag and picked a scent that they felt represented that word. They were combined (although some people poured in more of their scent than others), and another warm scent was created. However, this smell was quickly identified as "tacos" due to the obscene amount of cumin. Overall I would say it was a successful project, but if repeated there would need to be a removal of spice labels so people relied on scent alone. There is also my own presence as the artist and documenter, which can interrupt the project. The lesson: You are accountable for all aspects of your project. 

- Noah 
Open your mind, be brave, and be kind.