Scratch-and-sniff roast duck, opium – Hong Kong’s London Design Biennale contribution
Brexit-bound Britain offers a sensory exploration of the world to confront nation’s ‘island mentality’
Filled with sounds, smells and interactive installations, the second London Design Biennale offers visitors a sensory exploration of the world, intended as an antidote to the “island mentality” of Brexit.
“We obviously live in a very emotionally turbulent and politically polarised time and the choice of theme was intended to reflect and confront that,” said Christopher Turner, artistic director of the exhibition, which this year has the theme “Emotional States”.
Barely a few months before Britain leaves the European Union in March 2019, the biennale is “intended as a corrective to that island mentality”, Turner said.
He said the event, which runs until 23 at Somerset House, shows that “London is open, not only to business but to the creative community”. The exhibition includes installations from 40 countries, from China to Canada and Saudi Arabia, allowing visitors to take the pulse of the world.
The Hong Kong exhibit includes painted paper which, when scratched, unleashes smells of opium or roast duck.