A pop-up art exhibition showcasing the work of six blind and partially sighted artists will take place at the Vaad Gallery in London on 11 and 12 April 2011. Scents and Sensibility is a collection of artists' interpretations of Bergamot Noir, Berkeley Square Cosmetics latest fragrance.
Scents ans Sensibility is an imaginative approach to what is commonly referred to as 'blind art'.
Leading sight loss charity RNIB and fragrance manufacturer Berkeley Square Cosmetics utilise the strength of blind and partially sighted artists, to provide a unique insight into the individual responses to fragrance.
As they enter, visitors will experience the aroma of Bergamot Noir before seeing how the artists, all with different sight conditions, have encapsulated the fragrance.
The pieces will be exhibited at a two day exhibition at the Vaad Gallery on South Molton Lane in Mayfair before being auctioned at a gala event on Tuesday 12 April to raise funds to help RNIB support blind and partially sighted people.
Lesley-Anne Alexander, Chief Executive at RNIB, said: "Scents and Sensibility is an opportunity for RNIB to partner with a luxury fragrance brand and produce something that will both challenge and inspire people. The exhibition showcases the skills and creativity of blind and partially sighted people, working in an area that others may assume not possible because of their sight loss."
Richard Cann, Marketing Director at Berkeley Square Cosmetics, said: "Fragrance is something that is essentially invisible, that conjures abstract feelings, sentiments, memory triggers and pictures in the mind. It's really interesting to see how artists working in different mediums (painting, sculpture, installation art and photography) interpret the Bergamot Noir fragrance. We are delighted to have worked with RNIB, bringing the work of blind and partially sighted artists and the world of luxury perfumery."
Visiting times
Visit the Scents and Sensibility Exhibition at The Vaad Gallery, South Molton Lane, London W1 on 11 April (10am-5.30pm) and Tuesday 12 April (10am-2pm).
Work will be auctioned on 12 April to raise funds for RNIB.
For further information, please contact Stacey Kerr, RNIB, on 020 7391 2290 or email stacey.kerr@rnib.org.uk
The artists
Renowned sculptor Lynn Cox has created a wire sculpture of an elegant woman, whilst David Johnson will be installing a dramatic floor to ceiling installation, inspired by the citrus notes of the perfume and reflecting on the changes that occur over time.
Giovanni Coppola, a photographer with tunnel vision, has created a series of photographs shot in an Italian garden, which will be accompanied by a soundtrack at the event.
Water-colourist Ian Reynolds will be departing from his representational style to create an abstract artwork for the event and ceramicist Doreen Gibbons will be crafting a Venetian-style mask, taking inspiration from the Golden Era.
On 12 April, celebrated painter Rachel Gadsden will be working live in the artwork to create a one-off piece on site, informed by the reactions of gallery guests and their descriptions of the Bergamot Noir fragrance.
This exciting group of artists has been brought together by the RNIB and the exhibition will be curated by Claire Mander, Head of Contemporary at the Andipa Gallery.
Berkeley Square Cosmetics
Berkeley Square Cosmetics has a history of association with the arts - from the inclusion of original retro illustrations that sum up the spirit of the Roaring Twenties across their popular 1920's range of fragrance and beauty products to the use of the iconic black and white fashion photography of John French which adorns the brand's current Natural Couture range in partnership with the V&A.
The company is a passionate supporter of excellence in British perfumery and Scents and Sensibility opens a new chapter for both Berkeley Square and the RNIB within the arts, and they will be looking to create an exciting annual event presenting the work of talented blind and partially sighted artists in different disciplines, raising both funds and awareness of issues relating to blind and partially sighted people.
RNIB
Every day another 100 people in the UK will start to lose their sight. There are around two million people in the UK with sight problems.
RNIB is the leading charity working in the UK offering practical support, advice and information for anyone with sight difficulties.
If you, or someone you know, has a sight problem RNIB can help. Call the RNIB Helpline on 0303 123 9999 or visit www.rnib.org.uk.
Directions
If you need more information about how to get to Bond St tube station you can visit Describe Online or if you are blind or partially sighted and may have problems finding the venue, please call on 07968 594 549.