Artistic Proposal for the Jazan Aromatic Plants and Incense Museum

The Guardians
Submitted by Vladimir Antaki

Date: October 21, 2024

Address :

Vladimir Antaki
Badaro Street., SGBL Building, 5th floor, 
Beirut, Lebanon


I am honored to present my artistic proposal for documenting the perfume shopkeepers of Jazan, using the visual language developed in my ongoing “Guardians” series. These shopkeepers serve as custodians of urban temples—spaces rich in history and cultural significance. In an age of globalized retail, these shops represent the unique aromatic heritage of Jazan. Through my portraits, I aim to immortalize their contributions to the perfume and incense trade, bridging past traditions with present practices.

The project will feature seven large-scale portraits (2.4m x 1.6m), each depicting a different perfume shopkeeper within their shop—illustrating them as the heart and soul of these aromatic spaces. These portraits will be a lasting homage to the guardians of Jazan’s fragrant legacy. 

In the style of my “Guardians” series, the portraits will place viewers in direct connection with the subjects and their environments. The composition will highlight the deep bond between the shopkeeper and their cultivated space.

By presenting these portraits in large format, accompanied by audio that shares the stories of the “Guardians,” I aim to create an immersive experience that enables viewers to fully engage with both the subjects and their spaces. This approach emphasizes the dignity and craftsmanship of these “Guardians” while evoking a sense of memory and presence, particularly as some shops face closure due to modern pressures.

The exhibition will transform the museum into a gallery of memory and resilience, celebrating the ongoing cultural relevance of Jazan’s aromatic industry. My seven “Guardians” will be showcased in Gallery 4: Perceiving Scents, adding a sensory layer to the visual experience and deepening the audience's connection to Jazan’s aromatic history.