5 Fragrance-Inspired Artworks

Sharp Staff August 19, 2015

If you have the rare neurological phenomenon of synethesia, your brain’s processing centres are interconnected. When you smell a scent, your mind translates it into colours and shapes. In the spirit of this, we asked Canada’s most forward-thinking artists to take inspiration from fine colognes. What’s a fragrance, after all, but a means of self-expression?

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The Scent: Armani Code

A strikingly masculine blend that straddles the line between seduction and sophistication. The fresh lemon and bergamot arouse the senses, while the guaiac wood and tonka bean arrest them.

$115 for 125mL

The Sight:

‘The painting expresses a mood of seduction. Within many of us there is a desire for power, wisdom, courage and ferocity, as expressed through the characteristics of the lion. The Lion is also a nocturnal creature, a figure of the night. The colour palette is inspired by the vibrant notes of bergamot and lemon with warm undertones.’ – Richard Ahnert.

The Scent: Chanel Bleu

A spicy, arboreous fragrance that breaks conventions. The provocative blend of citrus and woods jolts the senses. A bold, indelible statement.

$210 for 300mL

The Sight:

‘The painting is inspired by the refined scent of Chanel Bleu: heavy black lines contour the man’s body, accentuating a tuxedo that is both classic and exceptional with its hint of navy sheen. Set against a background of bold and sensual colour, the Bleu man is projected forward, relaxed and fresh.’ – Samara Shuter

The Scent: CK Reveal

It’s the scent of sun-kissed skin—a top blend of sea salt, powdery iris and ambergris make way for rich sandalwood, cashmere and musk. The aromatic equivalent of a sultry evening on a beach.

$90 for 100mL

The Sight:

‘’Her lips revealed everything I needed to know. The idea was to capture a moment in time: two bodies pass each other in tight confines, his fragrance immediately catches her and she can’t help but reveal that her thoughts have gone to another place. 1127 triangles comprise this piece.’ – Harv

The Scent: HUGO BOSS Man

An unconventional blend of intensely fresh sea breezes and musky spices simmer down to yield green, aquatic touches and the aroma of apples.

$90 for 100mL

The Sight:

‘I used acrylic paint on plexiglass and I chose the colours of the brand to mimic its aesthetic. HUGO has a classic but strong brand, so what I created comes off as really bold and contemporary, but also, chic and refined. I wanted to liquefy the brand aesthetic, in a way.’
– Nicole Charles

The Scent: Paco 1 Million

A multifaceted fragrance. A trace of grapefruit lures you in, while assertive middle notes of rose, cinnamon and spice surprise you. As time passes, base notes of leather, white wood and Indonesian patchouli take hold. It’s a one-of-a-kind intermingling of essences.

$140 for 200mL

The Sight:

‘I was expecting a really brash, muscular fragrance, but was pleasantly surprised to find something softer. Spicy and leathery at first spritz, but also creamier notes of bubblegum and vanilla. What stands out about this scent is that jaunty mix of masculinity with something more playful. I’ve drawn a vignette of an erotic memory. The whisper of a sensual encounter.’ –Dara Vandor

The Scent: John Varvatos Artisan Aqua

This Mediterranean-inspired fragrance uplifts the senses with fresh citrus aromas that give way to darker, spicy accents of clary sage, coriander and basil.

$105 for 125mL

The Sight:

‘I found the fresh and masculine notes quite enticing. Wearing it is an invitation to come closer. To symbolize this allure, I combined five of my black and white photos of street art to spell the word ‘touch’. I printed the photo on the back of plexiglass and then behind, added in colour and texture with several layers of acrylic paint. I back-lit the final piece with and LED light board.’ – Dani Cooperman