The Art of Scent 1889-2012, on view at the Museum of Arts and Design through February 24, 2013, is the first museum exhibition to examine perfume as an art form in its own right.
The exhibition leads visitors through an olfactory experience that showcases the artistry inherent to creating a fragrance.
The Art of Scent examines major stylistic developments in the evolution and design of fragrance, and provides unprecedented insight into the creative visions and intricate processes of the artists responsible for crafting the featured works.
Each scent is experienced individually in a special installation designed by Diller Scofidio + Renfro that emphasizes the distinct combination of artistry and raw materials used in their creation.
"At MAD, we are always looking to push boundaries and question the hierarchies in art by exploring the materials and processes behind groundbreaking work," commented Holly Hotchner, the museum's Nanette L. Laitman Director.
"There has not been the exploration or recognition of olfactory art as there has been of art that stimulates the other four senses. In plain language, this exhibition is a game changer."
Photo: Brad Farwell
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