Ether: Aromatic Mythologies will be Craft Contemporary’s first scent-based art exhibition that presents a selection of olfactory-centric installations. Curated by Saskia Wilson-Brown, the exhibition explores mythologies from various parts of the world in a narrative tapestry that transcends time and place. 

“The artists in this exhibition all share an interest in how scent can convey personal, and cultural histories”, says curator Saskia Wilson-Brown. “The result is a rich tapestry of meaning, in part expressed in the most embodied way of all: smell.” 

Participating artists include Alisa Banks (USA), Andrés Cortes (USA), Cristian Marianciuc (Romania), Sarana Mehra (UK/USA), Maki Ueda (Japan), Joe Merell (USA), Peter de Cupere (Belgium), Se Young Au (Korea/ USA), M Dougerty (USA), Regina Mamou (USA), Sean Raspet (USA), Karola Braga (Brazil), and Russell Harris (USA).  

This exhibition is generously supported, in part, by The Julius Bernard Kester Trust, The Japan Foundation in Los Angeles, the Yanai Initiative for Globalizing Japanese Humanities, National Museum of Women in the Arts, The Consulate General of Belgium in Los Angeles, and The Institute for Art and Olfaction. 

(Image Above) Maki Ueda, Olfactory Labyrinth ver. 8 – The Revival of Oikaze, 2025. Scent and solvent, glass bottle, rope, gut rope, bamboo strip, 13.12 W x 13.12 L x 11.48 H ft. Image courtesy of the artist.