Racheal Crowther's Chisenhale exhibition deploys scent and color as psychological weapons

Racheal Crowther, an artist based in London, unveils her inaugural institutional exhibition at Chisenhale Gallery, showcasing an installation that alters sensory experiences. The gallery's walls are adorned in Baker-Miller pink, a hue utilized in U.S. prisons to mitigate aggression. Central to the exhibit is a mobile health unit, manufactured in the U.S. and acquired by Crowther, which was initially used by British military forces. Attendees encounter a range of fragrances, transitioning from sweet to a pungent rubber scent. This unit played a role in the decontamination efforts following the 2018 novichok nerve agent incident involving Sergei Skripal. Crowther incorporates hexadecanal, which influences aggression variably in men and women, while critiquing state-run healthcare and displaying military artifacts, fostering a sense of institutional paranoia.