Joe Merrell’s “4-Logic (version 2),” (2024-2025) is among the works featured in the exhibition at Craft Contemporary. (photo courtesy of the artist)

Craft Contemporary presents “Ether: Aromatic Mythologies” running from May 31- Sept. 7, and “IAO Olfactory Storylab Maker-in-Residence,” running from June 7-Sept. 7.

“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 different 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,” Wilson-Brown said. “The result is a rich tapestry of meaning, in part expressed in the most embodied way of all: smell.”

Participating artists include Alisa Banks, Andrés Cortes, Cristian Marianciuc, Sarana Mehra, Maki Ueda, Joe Merell, Peter de Cupere, Se Young Au, M Dougerty, Regina Mamou, Sean Raspet, Karola Braga and Russell Harris. The exhibition is supported in part by the Julius Bernard Kester Trust, Japan Foundation Los Angeles, 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.

Craft Contemporary has also announced the new Maker-in-Residence program, which provides a safe work environment to experiment with and push the boundaries of contemporary craft. The Institute of Art and Olfaction, Craft Contemporary’s Maker-in-Residence, presents “IAO Olfactory Storylab,” an on-site experimental perfume laboratory that invites museum visitors to interact with perfumers as they explore personal and cultural narratives through scent. A curated roster of perfumers will work at the museum’s lobby on Saturdays.

“The perfumers participating in the Maker-in-Residence program reflect the diversity of the Los Angeles community and bring their unique cultural and intellectual heritage to the task of interpreting story with smell,” said Julianne Lee, director of projects at the Institute for Art and Olfaction.

“The IAO team is delighted to stand behind this roster of talented people in presenting perfumery for what it is: A heterogeneous, vibrant and ever-evolving artform,” Wilson-Brown added.

Participating perfumers include Dana El Masri (Jazmin Saraï), Daniel Krasofski (IAO), Debbie Lin and Na-Moya Lawrence (SAMAR), Joe Merrell (The Eyes Are Always There), Julianne Lee (IAO), L’lia “Tizzle” Thomas (Aromakaura), Maxwell Williams (UFO Parfums), Minetta Rogers (IAO), Miss Layla (fūm fragrances), Persephenie (Persephenie Botanicals), Saskia Wilson-Brown (IAO) and Terry Carter (Travertine Atelier).

Craft Contemporary is located at 5814 Wilshire Blvd. For information, visit craftcontemporary.org.