Van Eyck Reloaded
June, 2020
with Glimps BioLab
ABOUT THE PROJECT
Van Eyck Reloaded is a project in which we bring Jan Van Eyck back from the depths of time, and use his work to trigger opportunities for peopel to learn bio-innovation. What if we could breed the ‘Lamb of God’? What if the fountain of eternal life is actually found in our DNA? And what if we could grow the altar table, and color it with microbes?
Over the course of several weeks in Summer 2020, GLIMPS Biolab is producing talks, experiences and workshops in Ghent, Belgium, using Van Eyck as the entry point.
As part of this project, the Institute for Art and Olfaction collaborated with GLIMPS on two perfume compositions that illustrated important elements found in the Adoration of the Mystic Lamb panel of Van Eyck’s Ghent Altarpiece (created in 1432).
+ Learn more about Van Eyck Reloaded
Image credit: Van Eyck Reloaded, courtesy of GLIMPS
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SCENTS
The IAO composed two scents based on elements in the Lamb of God panel of the Ghent Altarpiece.
SCENT 1: LANDSCAPE
The first scent was based on the plants, trees, herbs, and other natural elements represented in the landscape surrounding the altar and the worshippers. These plants were identified through the impressive botanical research done by landscape architect Maarten Kaptein, and include over 90 species.
SCENT 2: SCENT FOR GOD
The second scent was designed to be an interpretation of the lamb itself (a Christian symbol of Jesus Christ) and the dove above it (a Christian symbol of god). This scent was based on biblical references to the scents of (or – rather – for) God. Our research was supported by perfumer Paul Kiler, drawing from his database of biblical scents.
Biblical references include:
Exodus 30:22-24: The Lord said to Moses, 23 “Take the finest spices—12 pounds of liquid myrrh, 6 pounds of sweet-smelling cinnamon, 6 pounds of sweet-smelling cane, 24 and 12 pounds of cassia (all weighed according to the official standard). Add one gallon of olive oil, 25 and make a sacred anointing oil, mixed like perfume.”
EXODUS, 30:34-38: The Lord said to Moses, “Take an equal part of each of the following sweet spices—stacte, onycha, galbanum, and pure frankincense. 35 Use them to make incense, mixed like perfume. Add salt to keep it pure and holy. 36 Beat part of it into a fine powder, take it into the Tent of my presence, and sprinkle it in front of the Covenant Box. Treat this incense as completely holy. 37 Do not use the same formula to make any incense like it for yourselves. Treat it as a holy thing dedicated to me. 38 If anyone makes any like it for use as perfume, he will no longer be considered one of my people.”
SIRACH 24:15 (Apocrypha): Sicut cinnamomum et balsamum aromatizans odorem dedi/ quasi myrrha electa dedi suavitatem odoris; et quasi storax et galbanus, et ungula, et gutta, / et quasi libanus non incisus vaporavi habitationem meam, / et quasi balsamum non mistum odor meus.
Image credit: The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb, section of The Ghent Altarpiece (1432, oil on wood, 350 x 461 cm) Cathedral of St Bavo, Ghent – Public Domain, via Wikipedia (link)
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ABOUT GLIMPS
Based in Ghent, Belgium, GLIMPS is a bioreactor for the future. We use science, design and innovation processes to make the future of bio tangible, worthwhile and enjoyable. Our activities span from developing bio-based solutions to creating inspiring prototypes of the bio-future. We offer innovation strategy services in bio-economy, design and grow experiential installations, set up deep-dive courses in biofabrication & biodesign and gather audiences in talks and masterclasses on the future of bio.