Henley-on-Thames was abuzz with excitement on Sunday 15 December, 2024 as art enthusiasts gathered at the River & Rowing Museum for the private view of “La Femme Nuage”. Despite turbulent weather conditions, the event drew a dedicated audience who braved the storm to experience this innovative scented art exhibition.
The exhibition, which runs from 3 December 2024 to 1 February 2025, is a unique collaboration between contemporary painter Yuliya Martynova and perfumer and olfactory artist E. Gabriel De Carvalho. Together, they have created a rare fusion of painted cloudscapes and custom-crafted fragrances.
Notable figures such as Professor Yelena Kalyuzhnova, Vice Dean (International) at Henley Business School, University of Reading, and Director of the Centre for Euro-Asian Studies, were in attendance, showcasing the exhibition’s appeal across both cultural and academic communities.
Originally from Kazakhstan, Martynova’s celebrated career as a contemporary artist has led her to the UK over two decades ago. Her ethereal depictions of skies, blossoms, and sailboats have gained her recognition in the art world. “La Femme Nuage” marks a decade of her full-time career and presents sixteen semi-abstract cloud paintings, six of which have been selected to represent pivotal chapters of her life. Each artwork personifies a woman whose influence has left an indelible mark on Martynova’s personal narrative.
De Carvalho, known for his previous sensory-driven exhibitions, has used his expertise in fragrance to translate each chosen painting into a scent. These aromatic interpretations add a deeper emotional resonance to the pieces, allowing visitors to engage multiple senses and experience art in an entirely new dimension.
Despite the intense winds and rain, the private view of “La Femme Nuage” drew a dedicated audience who were greeted with Prosecco and wine. Guests were soon immersed in a vibrant sensory exploration, with one visitor remarking, “Well worth a visit, absolutely stunning & I enjoyed smelling each one too.” Another noted how the exhibition offered “a change of perspective on art,” blending sight, scent, and storytelling into a meaningful whole.
Representatives from the River & Rowing Museum praised the exhibition’s originality, calling it “one of the most unique” they have hosted. In spite of the weather, the private view offered a calm haven of colour and fragrance that stood in contrast to the stormy conditions outside.
“La Femme Nuage” will remain on display until 1 February 2025, giving the public ample opportunity to experience this trailblazing collaboration. Martynova is also in discussions with a Los Angeles-based gallery and exploring a contemporary art residency at Bankside’s Autograph Marriott in London, expanding her exploration of bright and mesmerising female figures to new audiences.
De Carvalho will continue his collaborative efforts with Martynova and other artists, integrating his perfumer’s craft with a range of visual mediums. Alongside his fragrance work, he remains committed to sharing his knowledge of olfactory art through workshops and other educational initiatives.
The success of “La Femme Nuage” would not have been possible without the dedicated support of the River & Rowing Museum’s staff. Despite adverse weather conditions, their commitment to innovative programming and immersive cultural experiences has allowed the exhibition to flourish, showcasing the synergy between visual and olfactory art forms.
For press enquiries, images, or further information, please visit the following links: https://we.tl/t-kOsHayn4AZ or contact Yuliya Martynova at Contact@martynova.co.uk. More information about the exhibition can also be found at https://www.humos.co.uk/la-femme-nuage-scented-art-exhibition-henley/ and https://www.martynova.co.uk/projects-7.
This news story was distributed by https://pressat.co.uk/.
