Ziqian Lu

"Fragrant Echoes"

Section MS15, Sarah Akigbogun

Keywords: olfactory, perception, experience

This project uses scent to explore emotions and help people reconnect with their bodies in a world that is heavily focused on screens and visual information. I work with natural materials infused into carrier oils and warm them slowly using a scent diffuser. The scent is released gradually through heat, rather than all at once. Through repeated testing, the project explores how smell can bring up memories, emotions, and subconscious responses. In this way, scent becomes a quiet and non-verbal way to slow down, reflect, and become more aware of inner feelings.