Kaiku

‘Echo’ is an acoustic-olfactory instrument that performs autonomously in a timeframe, slowly releasing scent and sound into the space it occupies. Similar to a living ecosystem, this machine creates an individual rhythm and olfactory effects, thus producing a symbiotic landscape of scent and sound. Echo discovers how nature and technology are able to merge together. This project is a collaboration between Amsterdam based visual artist Aaro Murphy & Helsinki based artist and herbalist Anna Karhu-Cormier, combining their individual practices in the realms of sound and scent. 

​

The form and mechanisms of the project are inspired by the Olfactory Organ, an instrument from the 1920's that was intended to produce scents instead of sounds; however, this hypothetical instrument was never completed. For 'Echo', Aaro Murphy wanted to reimagine how this olfactory instrument would appear today. An automated pneumatic system blows individual scents that are stored inside six glass flutes, creating an ever-changing scent in the gallery. Simultaneously the airflow produces resonances in six different tones, alternating between high pitches and rumbling bass notes. 

​

The Finnish forest as a living entity has served as a starting point for composing each individual scent. The fragrances, created by Anna Karhu-Cormier, consist of forest materials that have healing properties, i.e. resin, softwood distillates, essential oils and macerated raw materials. These form a fragrant organic landscape over a time span. ‘Echo’ is a momentary assembly that is constantly changing and resembles a living forest. 

​

‘Echo’ was commissioned by the Finnish Cultural Institute for The Benelux. Visual artist Aaro Murphy and Frantsila's creative director, artist-phytotherapist Anna Karhu-Cormier were invited to combine their ideas of Finnish healing nature. The institutes' joint AISTIT / Coming to Our Senses Contemporary Art Program explores sensory knowledge and physical empathy throughout 2021-22.