Episode 44: What does fine art smell like?

Culture Bites

In this week's episode of Culture Bites, hosts Enas Refaei, Farah Andrews and Maan Jalal imagine what it would be like if art were appreciated not just visually, but also through scent. Inspired by a project at the National Museum in Krakow, The National speaks to curators at Louvre Abu Dhabi to decipher the smell of selected pieces in their collection.

Considering the era, materials used, the content and the artists' environments, the hosts discuss how art appreciation could become a multisensory experience. They also share some of their most memorable scents.

In the music scene, British band Massive Attack have put on a live show that, they say, is powered through renewable energy. It has revived the conversation about live music's heavy carbon footprint, especially with mega tours that move around the world. Enas, Farah and Maan discuss the environmental toll of being a musician – and a fan. They also highlight artists, like Coldplay, who have been taking a proactive approach towards climate action.

And who is Tul8te? The masked Egyptian singer, known for hiding his identity behind a crocheted balaclava, has amassed a huge following, with people speculating about who he is. Raking in millions of views on YouTube and becoming a viral sensation on TikTok, the intrigue around him has the hosts wondering why some artists choose to be anonymous.