Smell the Art is a multisensory exhibition series that brings visual art and scent into conversation.
Each exhibition pairs carefully selected fragrances with artworks, creating layered encounters where scent deepens, disrupts or extends what the eye perceives.
Sculpture by SIDO · photographed by @elko_esk
Thoughtfully tailored
Every edition of Smell the Art is developed with intention. By carefully considering the audience, the artworks, the fragrances, and the setting, we create experiences that invite deeper engagement and lasting impressions.
We select the works
Through an open call, or through curator Katia Los’s own network. A set of works — painting, sculpture, photography, photomontage — chosen for what a second sense might add to them, and built around the host’s space and theme.
We pair each work with a scent
Adriana Knispel chooses a single fragrance for every piece, working with niche and artisan perfumery through the Helsinki Perfume Club. Some fragrances complement the work. Others create a new conversation.
Beyond the pairing
Each Smell the Art format edition is built as a wider experience that adds cultural and emotional depth to any event. Collaborations, workshops, performances, and other interventions can be woven into the programme, creating opportunities for discovery and connection.
Where it’s been
See where it’s been. Step into where it’s happening now.
Upcoming
What burns without being touched, flows without a voice, moves without a body, and holds everything in place?
Elements invites you to find out.
We’re honoured to curate fragrances in dialogue with the works of an exceptional group of African artists and designers who call Finland home.
Smell the Art travels. The next room could be yours.
Host an editionPast editions
Where art, culture, and business converge to inspire meaningful connections and lasting partnerships.
Eleven artists, eleven fragrances, staged across Helsinki city centre and Bio Rex Lasipalatsi.
See the edition
Five artists, one room where sight and scent moved as one, a multi-sensory experience you don’t just see, but breathe.
Inside the room
Eleven artists, eleven fragrances—glimpses from ODDfest, where art and fragrance met in dialogue.
Photographer: Elena Savina
Bring Smell the Art to your space
A multisensory format built to travel: for galleries, festivals, fragrance houses, brands and cultural partners. It’s been staged twice so far. We’re looking for the next room.
We bring
- Curation of the artworks, built around your space and theme
- The olfactory pairing as a fragrance chosen for each work
- Production and creative direction of the installation
- The Smell the Art name, story and audience
You provide
- The space, and a sense of your audience and occasion
- Partnership terms — handled per project
The people
Partner with the best
