FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
London, UK – Olfactory artist and perfumer Gabriel De Carvalho is set to debut his latest project, The Smell of Sanctity: From Devotion to Decomposition, at 65a Charlotte Street in Fitzrovia, London. The exhibition will run from November 26 to 30, 2025 and promises to be a challenging and innovative experience for visitors.
Presented by The Olfactory Art Studio, The Smell of Sanctity explores the intersection of faith, chemistry, and human perception through immersive and multi-sensory installations. De Carvalho, a renowned perfumer and olfactory artist, delves into the concept of the mythical odour of sanctity – a sweet fragrance said to emanate from saints – and translates it into a contemporary artistic experience.
The installation is a thought-provoking exploration of the shared molecular space between the sacred and the scientific. De Carvalho, drawing on his expertise in both fields, reexamines centuries-old theological accounts through the lens of biochemistry. He highlights the connection between the compounds found in organic breakdown and those used by perfumers to create transcendent scents, challenging traditional interpretations of faith and beauty.
Through bespoke scent compositions, sculptural diffusers, and light, visitors are taken on a sensory journey that blurs the boundaries between sacred spaces and scientific laboratories. De Carvalho showcases the “double life” of key aromatic molecules, such as indole and phenylethyl alcohol, and invites the audience to reflect on perception and how context and culture shape our judgement of what is considered sacred or profane.
In his own words, De Carvalho explains, “This project uses the mythology of sanctity to reveal the chemistry behind emotion and belief. By showing how molecules of decay become the essence of beauty, I hope to shift how we think about scent, not as a luxury or a memory trigger, but as the most honest form of transformation.”
A spokesperson for The Olfactory Art Studio adds, “The Smell of Sanctity is a testament to our mission of elevating scent beyond commodity and luxury. Through this unique work, we demonstrate the power of olfactory art to tackle complex, transdisciplinary questions and make intangible concepts, such as faith and perception, physically accessible to a London audience.”
The Olfactory Art Studio is dedicated to providing a platform for artists at the critical intersection of perfumery and contemporary art. By commissioning bespoke and conceptual fragrances, the Studio encourages the public to engage with scent as a powerful artistic medium that activates memory, challenges perception, and unlocks new avenues for sensory exploration.
For press enquiries, images, or interview requests, please contact: enquiries@theolfactoryartstudio.com or visit https://www.theolfactoryartstudio.com/exhibitions/the-smell-of-sanctity.php.
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