Petrichor Exhibition at Kew Gardens, Richmond

Petrichor exhibition by Mat Collishaw in Kew Gardens

The Petrichor exhibition by contemporary artist Mat Collishaw’s in Kew Gardens, is a wonderful exploration where art, science and nature come together.

From video installations, AI-artworks and virtual reality to a 19th-century proto-cinematic device the zoetrope, the exhibition pushes us to reconsider how we perceive nature and questions the traditional ways in which it is depicted in artistic expressions.

Petrichor refers to the pleasant, earthy scent that arises when rain falls on dry soil. It encapsulates the enchanting essence of nature's renewal, a fragrant reminder of the symbiotic dance between the heavens and the earth.

This olfactory symphony captures the magic of raindrops awakening the dormant aromas of the earth, creating a sensory experience that connects us to the cycles of life and the rejuvenating power of the natural world.

This was one of mission when creating our home fragrance Petrichor emulate the distinctive aroma that rises from the ground after it rains and the freshness of recently cut grass.

Each piece at the exhibition shows the observation of nature through art carefully exploring the balance between existence and deterioration. My favourite piece, was the installation of The Major Oak, a majestic ancient oak tree in Sherwood Forest, stands as a living legend associated with Robin Hood. Estimated over 1,000 years old, its colossal branches tell tales of history and resilience.

"Nature has a peculiar magic that unlocks the chambers of thought, inspiring a symphony of words in the soul. In its wild whispers, we find solace and understanding."

Virginia Woolf