How do you assess a fragrance? a purely subjective and emotive experience of "like" / "dislike" through an automatic sensory reaction? or an evaluation of artistic expression? - i.e., you can dislike something but simultaneously appreciate it in areas such as: technique, context, materials, concept etc...
It can be argued that fragrance making is an art form that is subjectively assessed based on automatic sensory responses. This argument is based on the idea that fragrance is primarily a sensory experience that is processed by the brain in a way that is largely automatic and unconscious. When we smell a fragrance, our sensory receptors automatically respond to the chemical compounds in the fragrance, triggering a range of emotional and physiological responses that are largely beyond our conscious control. This also works for food i.e., we don't necessarily choose to like or dislike a strawberry, our sensory receptors dictate to us whether we do or do not. Some of us actually like challenging sensory experiences - for example, I never used to like olives, however I persisted and now love them...
This argument however overlooks the fact that fragrance making is also a highly complex and nuanced art form that involves a range of technical and creative skills. Fragrance makers must not only have a deep understanding of the chemical compounds that make up a fragrance but also possess the creative skills necessary to blend these compounds in a way that creates a unique and compelling scent. In addition, noses must also be able to understand and respond to the needs and desires of their customers, which requires a high degree of empathy and emotional intelligence. Therefore one might appreciate the "art" that goes into a fragrance such as Portrait of a Lady but inherently dislike how it smells - the reverse could be said for Britney Spears', Fantasy.
Keen to hear some thoughts on the subjective vs objective areas of the topic.
It can be argued that fragrance making is an art form that is subjectively assessed based on automatic sensory responses. This argument is based on the idea that fragrance is primarily a sensory experience that is processed by the brain in a way that is largely automatic and unconscious. When we smell a fragrance, our sensory receptors automatically respond to the chemical compounds in the fragrance, triggering a range of emotional and physiological responses that are largely beyond our conscious control. This also works for food i.e., we don't necessarily choose to like or dislike a strawberry, our sensory receptors dictate to us whether we do or do not. Some of us actually like challenging sensory experiences - for example, I never used to like olives, however I persisted and now love them...
This argument however overlooks the fact that fragrance making is also a highly complex and nuanced art form that involves a range of technical and creative skills. Fragrance makers must not only have a deep understanding of the chemical compounds that make up a fragrance but also possess the creative skills necessary to blend these compounds in a way that creates a unique and compelling scent. In addition, noses must also be able to understand and respond to the needs and desires of their customers, which requires a high degree of empathy and emotional intelligence. Therefore one might appreciate the "art" that goes into a fragrance such as Portrait of a Lady but inherently dislike how it smells - the reverse could be said for Britney Spears', Fantasy.
Keen to hear some thoughts on the subjective vs objective areas of the topic.
