# Scented Playgrounds Ernesto Neto Delves Into Childhood Imagination with His Art By Shelby Lee Walsh | Published 2009-05-27 | Life-Stages Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ernesto-neto References: [psfk](http://www.psfk.com/2009/05/site-visit-ernesto-netos-anthropodino.html) Ernesto Neto had an exhibition of his insanely out-there artwork this past weekend at the Armory in New York’s Midtown. The Brazilian artist dazzled kids and parents alike with his [imaginative playground](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/archipelago-playscape) that combined caves, tents, tunnels and nylon dripping from the ceiling holding [scented spices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jardim-sol-de-janeiro). Ernesto Neto sparks kids’ (and adults) imagination by including all senses in his eye-popping exhibit. **Implications** - The recession caused consumers to experience feelings of angst and anxiety about the economy. In response, savvy artists created [otherworldly illustrations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jeffrey-deitch-art-gallery) that engaged visitors' senses in new and unusual ways. The most successful of these installations inspired nostalgia for the innocence and wonder of childhood, turning art patrons into tourists experiencing a new land. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.6/10 - Popularity: 29% | Activity: 10% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Life-Stages](https://www.trendhunter.com/life-stages) > [Youth](https://www.trendhunter.com/youth) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Multi-sensory Exhibits:** Artists are incorporating sensory experiences into exhibitions in order to evoke nostalgia and wonder in visitors. - **Interactive Playgrounds:** Artists are designing immersive playgrounds that engage children and adults in imaginative play. - **Scented Environments:** Art installations are incorporating scent as a way to enhance the sensory experience and mood of visitors. ### Who This Affects Most - **Art and Entertainment:** There is an opportunity for artists and entertainers to create immersive multi-sensory experiences that transport visitors to new and imaginative worlds. - **Education and Museums:** Museums and educational institutions could benefit from incorporating interactive and sensory exhibits to engage visitors in new and innovative ways. - **Retail and Hospitality:** Retailers and hospitality companies could enhance the customer experience by incorporating scent into their environments to evoke certain moods and emotions. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Explorative Artwork Playground Installations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-cuddly-playground.md) - [Wonderous Art Installations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/your-psychoacoustic-light-ensemble.md) - [Nostalgia-Inspired Experiences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bubble-planet.md) - [Inflatable Vibrant Art Installations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/forest-dancer.md) - [Generational-Lasting Dynamic Playgrounds](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mike-hewson-2.md) - [Immersive Balloon Experiences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/balloon-story-popup.md) - [Community-Centric Sculptural Installations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/playful-sculptures.md) - [Painting-Immersive Photo Exhibits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/new-ground-exhibition.md) - [Perception-Challenging Art Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/becoming-familiar.md)