This series of guided smellwalks explores how the boundaries between olfactory comfort and discomfort in urban spaces can activate the political potential of scent. This walk invited participants to encounter smells, reflect on their perceptions, and discuss them with the group. Focused on exploring the perception of smell’s political potential, a paper booklet served as an invitation for participants to reflect on their bodily sensations, memories, and emotions arising through the scents they encountered in the environment and on their bodies while exploring nose-first.

This work is the fruit of research co-led with Art/Science and science & technology studies scholar Christy Spackman, and cultural & sensory geographer Kevin McHugh. Something in the Air has been presented at Emerge 2022, Mesa (AZ), and Uncommon Senses IV (2023), Montreal (CA). The Montreal version was co-produced with artist Vicky Sabourin.

A reflection on the co-design process of the smellwalking route design for Montréal’s Quartier Concordia is available here.

Smellwalk view, 2023, Montréal, Canada

Credits
Artists: Lauryn Mannigel, Vicky Sabourin
Researchers: Christy Spackman, Kevin McHugh
Photography: C.B.
Map design: Lauryn Mannigel, Vicky Sabourin
Image license: CC BY-NC-ND 4.0
Supported by: Humanities Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe (US)
Venues: Media and Immersive eXperience (MIX) Center (ASU), Mesa, Arizona, & Quartier Concordia, Montréal, Canada