Breakdown of the installation areas:

Reception Area

On crossing the threshold of the Fair, the participants automatically became the performers in an orchestra of sensations. They had to tune their instruments-the organs of the five senses. Alicia acted as the conductor and was assisted in her duties by the master of ceremonies. Upon entering, the visitors received a printed guide featuring details of the itinerary and reticules (little net pouches used by the Romans).

Botanical Waterfalls

The visitors crossed through five simulated waterfalls made of Spanish vegetables such as leeks, asparagus, spring onions, fresh and dried peppers and bunches of aromatic plants such as basil, rosemary, thyme and parsley, all strung together on twine. The visitors were able to smell, touch, taste and, having been provided with reticules like banqueting Romans, even take away the odd thing if they fancied.

Aromatic Hand Kissing; Brief Aromas

A panel against the wall featured 12 hands, taken from male and female mannequins, each representing a different everyday activity. An appropriate aroma was created by Alicia for each glove-metaphor.

Flock of Rocking Toy Merino Sheep

The visitors came upon a surprising sight of a noisy flock of merino sheep (rocking toys), guarded by two shepherd girls dressed in the manner depicted by the painter Zubarán. The sound was magnified by boards suspended from the ceiling of the gallery. Next, hanging from a vertical structure there was a range of copper cowbells, handmade by blacksmiths from Navarra and Extremadura, which represented all the livestock in Spain and could play three musical scales.

Sudden Storm

The participants picked up metal objects to produce the sounds of an intense sudden storm.

Rainy Evening In the Garden of Seville

The expected rain begins to fall, but with the gentleness and exuberance typical of dusk under the parterres of the Gardens of Seville. A walk under arches decorated with branches of citrus trees and eight thousand roses sent from the Canary Islands, where the performers played with sprays of fine rain with the most appropriate local aromas: jasmine, orange blossom, basil, honeysuckle, mint, rosemary... 15 different spellbinding fragrances.

Medusarium

This brightly-lit gallery was decorated with six cupolas with curtains of different magic objects to produce different sounds and amazing visual effects. The participants cross through the curtains, treading on the floor, which also produced a variety of sounds.

Aromatic Botanical Fountains with Frog Concert

Similar to the topiary of the 17th century gardens throughout Europe, five different sumptuous fountains were installed in the Grand Hall. The wooden structure of the fountains was covered in adhesive reflective sheets with aromatic plants mounted on this framework playing the role of the water. When visitors approached the fountains they saw their reflections in mirrors through the vegetation. This produced a Narcissistic effect, like a self portrait within a still-life painting. The basins of the fountain contained the 'plant water' which the visitors could pick up, smell, touch and take away if they wished. All sorts of fruit and vegetables that grow on Spanish soil were used, particularly aromatic plants such as fennel, dill, thyme, basil, chives, etc. In addition, in the fountains were to be found many small toy frogs that created noise when handled. The public were encouraged to produce a frog chorus.

Secret Touches

16 perforated boxes, attached to panels contained tactile stimuli with unexpected textures. The experience was accessible only by touch, not sight.

Tasting Palette, Edible Athena in Thought

This was an edible mosaic, a palette of canapé arranged to create an image of the 460 B.C. low relief sculpture 'Athena in Thought'. This work was chosen because in Greek mythology Athena is attributed with offering the olive to humankind and olive oil is a constant source of inspiration for Alicia, a thread which runs through all her investigation and performances. While the food was employed to create a specific representation, it included the complete gamut of textures from liquid to solid as well as a wide variety of colours, flavours and aromas, matched up to create an entertaining range of surprising sensations.

Edible Rainbow

A lollipop rainbow welcomed the end of the bad weather, It consisted of a structure of strips of wood painted with all the colours of the rainbow, onto which different flavoured lollipops were stuck. The participants could reach out and take them, either eating them there and then or taking them away in their purses. The piece created a strong visual impact, covering a total area of 18 square meters.

Crunchy Walks

Five different 'carpets' consisting of bubble paper, cellophane lollipop wrappers screwed up into balls etc. lined part of the route around the galleries that made a particular noise when walked on.

Edible Clouds

Edible clouds made of candy floss dotted the late-spring sky. Far from looking threatening, they were nice and friendly and within the reach of those with a sweet tooth.

Kaleidoscopic Room

One of the most spectacular spaces of the BAC was turned into a kaleidoscopic area. The walls were covered with tinfoil curtains and a dodecahedron turned on an axis in the centre of the room, covered by reflective sheeting with rattles hanging from the angles. As it moved the visitors saw their reflections complete with their little purses, looking happy and contented following their initiations into the essences of sensorial art. The magical effect was reinforced by the lighting.

Comments Book and Exit

Finally the visitors gave impressions in the comments book provided at the end of the routes as they bid farewell to the Fair of the Five Senses.

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