An immersive exhibition at the Museum of Old and New Art (Mona) in Hobart is seamlessly blending music, sound, and scent to transport visitors into the heart of an eruption. The artist behind this captivating experience is none other than Jón Þór “Jónsi” Birgisson, the lead singer of Sigur Rós, who constantly seeks innovative ways to engage his audience.
In March 2021, when the Fagradalsfjall volcano erupted in Iceland, Jónsi found himself stranded in Los Angeles. A mixture of fear of missing out (Fomo) and a deep longing for home consumed him. Everyone he knew seemed to have been there, capturing up-close footage of “the fucking earth erupting, right in front of you.” This extraordinary event marked the first eruption on the Reykjanes Peninsula in a staggering 815 years.
Harnessing the power of his artistic vision, Jónsi has crafted an exhibition that aims to recreate the awe-inspiring spectacle of a volcanic eruption. Through a combination of sensory elements, he invites visitors to experience the primal forces that shape our world. The exhibition, hosted within the walls of Mona, takes attendees on a transformative journey where they can immerse themselves in the intensity and grandeur of nature’s fury.
The fusion of music, sound, and scent plays a pivotal role in recreating the volcanic eruption. Jónsi’s ethereal voice and haunting melodies intertwine with carefully curated sounds, transporting visitors to the very core of the natural phenomenon. In parallel, evocative scents fill the air, creating an olfactory landscape that heightens the sensory experience. By enveloping visitors in a multi-sensory symphony, Jónsi seeks to capture the essence of the eruption and evoke a profound emotional response.
The exhibition is a testament to Jónsi’s unyielding creativity and his unwavering commitment to pushing artistic boundaries. Known for his experimentation and innovation, the artist has consistently sought unconventional ways to engage with his audience. This latest endeavor further solidifies his reputation as a provocateur of sensations, weaving together music, sound, and scent to transport visitors into uncharted territories of perception.
Mona, renowned for its boundary-pushing exhibitions, provides the perfect backdrop for Jónsi’s ambitious project. The museum has long been dedicated to showcasing thought-provoking and immersive art that challenges conventional norms. By hosting this exhibition, Mona cements its reputation as a haven for artists who dare to push the limits of creativity and captivate audiences in unexpected ways.
For those fortunate enough to experience Jónsi’s exhibition at Mona, it promises to be an unforgettable journey into the raw power of nature. It is an invitation to step outside the confines of everyday life and embark on a sensory adventure that transcends ordinary perception. With each note, sound, and scent, Jónsi beckons visitors to witness the primordial beauty and chaos that lie at the core of our existence.
