Olfactory Aesthetics of Militarism:
An Artistic Exploration of the Terracene

In this artistic research, Arianna Khmelniuk embarks on a collaborative exploration of the olfactory aesthetics intertwined with militarism, focusing on envisioning a postwar era in olfactory art and emphasizing the intentional integration of olfactory dimensions into conventional art environments. Khmelniuk posits that war's imagery and olfactory aspects are inherently connected, shaping forthcoming artworks globally, inspired by Salar Mameni's concept of the Terracene. The long-lasting effects of war on populations and ecosystems show how vital it is to include olfaction in artistic research as one of the outlets for a better understanding of the effects of war. Arianna will share insider observations, depicting the olfactory sensorium of a battlefield and highlighting the peculiarity of sensory processes where olfactory experiences precede specific events. This proposal seeks to elucidate the profound impact of scent on sensory experiences of war as a part of the ongoing speculative artistic project "Leaving the Shelter."

Arianna Khmelniuk
Artist, researcher, and MFA student at UC Berkeley

Credits: artist Oleksandr Len'; historian Salar Mameni.
Supported by Art Practice, UC Berkeley.