Date: June 2013
Medium: site specific installation of flowers, collected scent and glass.
I reacted to this space by appropriating the 3 bottles from the painting entitled "Saint Philomena" by Amaury-Duval (1808-1885). Upon exploring the space, only the curious viewer or faithful devotee will discover the glass sculptures hidden within the altar which is said to exist since the time of the French Revolution. I left the pieces hidden in the space as an offering to the Saint. The installation within the altar, remains undocumented on purpose, only meant to be viewed within the sanctity of the space.
The olfactory element of the narrative can also be experienced within the space, using a mixture of scents I concocted to depict virginity, purity and the rebirth of spirit from misfortune, pain and illness. It is inspired by the work of pathologist Edward Bach, who believed that the dew that accumulated on flower petals can retain the plant's healing properties. His medicines were created with the intention of alleviating emotional and mental stress.
Last photo by Anders Grönlien