First Journey Day 7: Scented Symphony

August 31, 2023

‘Scented Symphony’ — an abstract canvas layered with ground spices from the Algiers spice market, capturing the city’s color and aroma. — “Scented Symphony,” mixed with saffron, cumin, paprika, and clear adhesive — a perfumed memory of Algiers.

Date: August 31, 2023
Location: Algiers, Algeria

In Algiers, on the Mediterranean edge of Algeria, the old markets trade in color as much as in flavor. Pyramids of spices, echoes from the Casbah, and warm sea light set the scene for today’s experiment: a painting you can see — and smell.

A Morning at the Spice Market

Today was an exploration of the senses in a way I've never experienced before. I visited a local spice market in Algiers, captivated by the rich colors and intoxicating aromas that filled the air. Each stall was a treasure trove of scents and flavors, from saffron's golden hues to the earthy tones of cumin.

Mixing Pigment with Aroma

Inspired, I decided to create something truly unique—a scented painting. I purchased an array of spices, each one evoking a different emotion or memory. Back in my temporary studio, I mixed the spices with a clear, non-toxic adhesive and applied them to a canvas. The process was meditative, each brushstroke releasing a burst of aroma into the air.

The Scented Canvas

As the painting took shape, so did its scent profile. It became a multi-sensory artwork that not only could be seen but also smelled. It was a challenging yet rewarding experience, pushing the boundaries of what I usually consider "art."

Choosing Stillness in the Studio

The painting is still drying, but even now, it fills the room with a complex bouquet of scents, each one telling a part of today's story. It's a tangible piece of Algiers that I'll carry with me, a fragrant memory captured in color and aroma. I've named it "Scented Symphony," and it's a piece I'll treasure for its uniqueness and the journey it represents.

A City in Sync with Scent

Outside, the market hums; inside, the air is calm and perfumed. Algiers feels woven into this work — salt air, warm light, and a chorus of spices threading through the day.

Travel Notes

Weather: Sunny, 75°F — mild sea breeze, warm light filtering through market awnings.
Scents: Saffron, cumin, paprika, dried citrus peels; a hint of sea air drifting in from the harbor.
Sounds: Vendors calling softly, scoops brushing metal tins, footsteps over stone, distant gulls.
Reflection: Letting aroma guide the brush shifted my focus from sight to sensation — a small recalibration of how I make and remember.