Leonardo Garza’s captivating installation, “Matter / Memory,” reimagines the traditional fragrance display by transforming BYREDO’s scents into an interactive art experience. Commissioned for BYREDO’s debut in Mexico, this intriguing installation was unveiled at their launch event on October 7 in Mexico City, curated by Artsynonym. The centerpiece is the steel sphere display, which immediately captures the attention of visitors.


The Art of Scent Exploration through the Byredo Steel Sphere Installation
The installation features five elegantly curved sections, each enveloping unique materials beneath a transparent surface. Thousands of stainless steel spheres partially obscure those compositions, inviting visitors to push them aside and reveal the compositions beneath. This interactive sculpture encourages interaction, as their movement also produces subtle metallic sounds, creating a tactile and auditory experience without the need for instructions.
The materials symbolize BYREDO’s signature fragrances: Gypsy Water as charcoal and ash, Rose of No Man’s Land through shattered glass, Mojave Ghost as mineral dust, Bal d’Afrique with red ochre earth, and Blanche as white textile. These interpretations encourage personal reflection, rather than dictating the scents’ components. The display thus serves as both a fragrance art installation and an innovative sensorial experience.

Materials and Meaning in the Byredo Steel Sphere Installation
The choices of charcoal and fractured glass are particularly compelling, evoking a sense of aftermath and vulnerability—a profound contrast to the pristine allure of a typical perfume bottle. This approach invites varied interpretations, emphasizing the subjective nature of fragrance.
Photographs of the installation reveal an open, almost circular form perched on slender supports. Illumination below the transparent surface lends the steel spheres a dynamic appearance, casting them as either dark shadows or gleaming reflectors. This interplay creates a striking contrast between the structure’s precise shape and the ever-changing patterns above, further enhancing the impact of the sculpture.
For another artistic transformation using metal, check out how Yuval Meron’s Pipe Stool redefines craftsmanship with intricate steel joinery.


Interactive and Evocative
The installation’s transparent cover separates the materials from direct touch, allowing participants to manipulate the view without disturbing the actual compositions. This interaction strikes a balance between engagement and preservation, enhancing the viewer’s experience within the display.
While the surrounding fog adds theatricality, the installation’s visual and interactive elements already stand out. The visitor’s role in shaping the display, rather than merely observing, fosters a personal connection—a fitting tribute to the power of memory and the ephemeral nature of scent found within this renowned setup.
Discover how another creative work, Studio Deng’s Horse Sculptures, uses interactive installations to engage audiences at the Seattle Design Festival.


Source: yankodesign.com
Frequently asked questions
What is Leonardo Garza’s latest art installation?
Leonardo Garza’s latest art installation is called ‘Matter / Memory,’ which reimagines traditional fragrance displays by transforming BYREDO’s scents into an interactive art experience using steel spheres.
How are BYREDO’s fragrances represented in the installation?
BYREDO’s fragrances are symbolized with materials beneath a transparent surface: Gypsy Water as charcoal and ash, Rose of No Man’s Land as shattered glass, Mojave Ghost as mineral dust, Bal d’Afrique with red ochre earth, and Blanche as white textile.
What interactive features does the installation include?
The installation includes interactive features where visitors can move thousands of stainless steel spheres to reveal compositions beneath, producing subtle metallic sounds and creating a tactile and auditory experience.
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