Atmospheres, Art, and Aesthetics: A Conversation
Atmospheres, Art, and Aesthetics: A Conversation

Summary/Abstract: The conversation between Brian Goeltzenleuchter and Elena Mancioppi explores the role of olfactory art in contemporary aesthetics, emphasizing the significance of smell in artistic expression. They discuss the historical marginalization of olfactory art in Western thought and its gradual acceptance. Goeltzenleuchter shares his experiences and influences, highlighting how his education under progressive artists like Allan Kaprow shaped his approach to using smell as an art medium. The dialogue delves into the socio-cultural narratives conveyed by scents, the relationship between spaces and aromas, and the phenomenology of smells compared to sounds. Mancioppi's philosophical perspective on smell and its ecological, relational, and holistic aspects is also discussed. The conversation touches on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on olfactory perception and the role of smell in social aesthetics, particularly in relation to food scents and their socio-political implications. Goeltzenleuchter's projects, such as "Scents of Exile" and "Sillage," are highlighted as examples of how olfactory art can provoke public memory and foster dialogue on social issues.

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