Sniff Disc

Sniff Disc is the result of the transformation of a concrete poem (by Simon Barraclough) into scent and was created as part of the research project Translation Games. The scent is composed of five notes (Opium Poppy, Orange, Cedar Wood, Leather) one to represent each line of the poem. Sniff Disc references connections between the fields of perfumery and music, which share common vocabulary (such as notes, accords, and composition). The fabrication of Sniff Disc references fragrance blotting strips, whilst its design borrows the LP vinyl record format of disc, sleeve and cover. In a literal translation the scent notes are listed by both Latin and common name, appearing as though song titles on a record. The poems text upon Sniff Disc reduces in size until almost illegible, its words seemingly dissolved at its epicentre, in a single drop of liquid scent. The work was shown with an accompanying talk and performance (at the National Poetry Library, Southbank Centre London) in which the artist discussed the translation process and creation of the work before gifting copies of Sniff Disc to the audience.

Dimensions variable.
Discs = 50mm, 50mm, 0.5 mm.
Perfumery card, transparent paper, plastic sleeve, scent composition (Notes of: Opium Poppy, Orange, Cedar Wood, Leather).