"Disquieted Beauty" (online/virtual)

Disquieted Beauty explored human and animal cognition by examining different definitions of language and communication, namely, the neotropical orchid bee’s use of scent. The installation was constructed to engage the audience through visual, tactile and olfactory experiences meant to offer an insight into languages and modes of communication utilized by other species. The experiential and interactive exhibit pushed viewers to contemplate how communication amongst this planet’s diverse inhabitants requires careful attention to subtle differences, and an acceptance of unique perspectives.

The gallery room’s walls were covered with embossed text (excerpted from research papers about the orchid bee’s collecting habits) and images of orchid surfaces. Using fonts designed for the visually impaired, raised surfaces were impregnated with micro encapsulated scent molecules identified from the orchid bee’s complex blend of volatiles. Viewers ran their fingers over the embossed words and picked up individual fragrances. When touching more text, the scents accumulated and became more complex, like words strung together in a sentence.

In an adjoining gallery, fifty cast clay “bee smokers” referenced the shape and metallic greens, blues, reds and violets of the iridescent orchid bee. Patterns and colors were stenciled onto candy foil and wrapped around each bee smoker. These were arranged like organ pipes, alluding to the “perfumer’s organ,” an organization of shelves containing essential oils and aromas used by perfumers.

The artist wishes to thank the City of Houston through HAA for their support in production of Disquieted Beauty.

https://theojac.org/exhibitionlist/2020/2/22/jo-ann-fleischhauer-disquieted-beauty

https://vimeo.com/435827226