Scent and Scent Perception. Exploring the interplay of aesthetics, othering and subjectivity and their relation to the politics of scent.

Abstract

Although research about the philosophical and social significance of smell has been increasing in recent years, its importance continues to be marginalized with even postcolonial literature favoring sight and hearing. This research examines how smell influences human identity and the power structures behind the establishment of societal standards in regard to smell and argues for the re-evaluation of olfaction contending that smell articulates its own form of reason and thus demands a new examination of the conventional dichotomy between reason and the senses. In addition, the research highlights the cultural and historical dimensions of olfaction, tracing its fluctuating status and its role in the construction of beauty, memory, and selfhood, revealing how smell shapes subjectivities and perpetuates social hierarchies (Classen C., Howes D., Synnott A., 1994). In doing so, this dissertation challenges conventional sensory hierarchies and proposes a more integrated understanding of human experience, emphasizing the political and social implications of smell in relation to aesthetics of othering.

Short biography

Ramiro Wong is a research-based transdisciplinary artist whose practice is deeply rooted in exploring the intricacies of identity formation. Drawing from various fields such as philosophy, visual arts, and engineering, the artist’s educational background reflects a journey characterized by a fusion of disciplines and a commitment to understanding and addressing socio-cultural issues through art. His work appears to be driven by a desire to provoke critical dialogue and foster empathy on both personal and societal levels, inviting viewers to engage with complex narratives of identity, community, displacement, and societal dynamics with the intention of transcending traditional boundaries.
He lives and works between Lima, Peru and Vienna, Austria.