Embrace the Sensory Experience: Fishersund’s Unique Concert in Paris
In a world where art and the senses converge, Fischersund—a captivating Icelandic art collective and perfumery brand—hosted its inaugural scented concert at Dover Street Market in Paris. This innovative event unfolded on Thursday evening, presenting a multisensory experience that connected music, scent, and visual art, guided by the creative talents of siblings Ingibjörg, Sigurrós, Lilja Birgisdottir, and renowned musician Jón Þór “Jónsi” Birgisson, among others.
The Concept Behind the Concert
Lilja Birgisdottir articulated the collective’s objective succinctly: “Our aim is to engage all the senses.” Following successful events in cities like New York, Los Angeles, Seattle, and Dublin, Fischersund chose Paris as a new canvas for their olfactory and auditory artistry.
To mark the occasion, Fischersund introduced their perfume, Faux Flora No. 1, bottled in a 50-ml presentation. This fragrance is inspired by the beauty of birth and draws influence from the unique essence of Iceland.
The conceptual core of the concert stemmed from a previous exhibition hosted in Seattle, titled “Faux Flora.” This exhibition examined the parallel between the life cycle of flowering plants and the stages of human development, a theme seamlessly woven into the evening’s Paris concert narrative.
A Scented Journey Awaits
As attendees arrived at the Dover Street Market theater, they received a 5-ml vial of Faux Flora No. 1. Early in the program, Birgisdottir invited the audience to apply the fragrance, setting the tone for the multisensory journey that followed.
The stage was transformed into a visual wonderland—a screen displayed moving images of pulsating cells, blooming flowers, and sweeping landscapes, while Birgisdottir recited evocative passages in both English and Icelandic. Scents from a flower sculpture moved through the crowd, enhancing the experience alongside the incense that filled the air.
An All-Encompassing Sensory Experience
The evening not only showcased olfactory art but also offered guests a taste of traditional Icelandic culture with schnapps infused with ancient family recipes and local herbs—adding yet another layer to the sensory experience.
The musical trio comprising Jónsi, Kjartan Holm, and Sindri “Sin Fang” Már Sigfússon created a unique soundscape for the event. Their music intertwines vocals and an array of instruments, reflecting the shared creative process that melds music, perfume, and visuals in real-time. As Sin Fang aptly noted, “It’s fascinating to create music based on scent, where memory plays a pivotal role.”
Jónsi, who has also ventured into the world of perfumery, is set to be recognized as a Firmenich perfumer this spring. His exploration into olfactory artistry is set against a backdrop of sustainability, striving to preserve and use Icelandic native ingredients in their fragrances.
A Collective Dream Realized
The family’s involvement in “sensorial design” emphasizes the intrinsic desire to connect and share experiences through art. “It’s a dream come true to bring our vision to life in Paris,” Birgisdottir expressed.
Fischersund has built a fruitful partnership with Dover Street Parfums Market over the last two years, which now features an art installation reflecting their innovative spirit. As Mateusz Kalinowski, a key figure at Dover Street Parfums Market, remarked, “Fischersund has transformed how we experience perfumes. This event allows us to appreciate beauty as a holistic experience that influences every sense.”
Wrapping Up
The Fischersund scented concert was more than just an event; it was a celebration of the senses, bringing together sound, scent, and sight in an extraordinary fusion of artistic expression. For those fascinated by the interplay of different mediums, such experiences may encourage deeper engagement with one’s own perceptions and creativity. As Fischersund continues to explore new territories, their commitment to family, sustainability, and innovative artistry remains a testament to the power of human connection through creativity.
