In Islamic cultures, scents have been used to evoke Paradise, ward off illnesses and unwanted spirits, and offer enjoyment to everyday life. Pleasant Smells and Warm Fellowships: Scent in Islamic Ceramics asks us to foreground our noses, imagining the rich and intoxicating scents ceramics have elicited, especially when shared with others.
The exhibition evokes a common smellscape—an olfactory social environment—Muslim women have and continue to cultivate: the home or harem. Artists Elif Uras, Kaashif Ghanie, and Leila Fatemi present distinct cultural explorations of scent in feminized spaces including domestic settings. The contemporary artworks are juxtaposed with historical objects to reveal an interconnected and fragrant social sphere amongst diverse cultures in enduring contact with the Islamic world. Scent becomes the connector: to home, to others, and between cultures.
The Gardiner Museum Curatorial Residency is made possible through the generous support of the Rebanks Family.
Support for Elif Uras is provided by SAHA Association.
