Reflections on The 12th Art & Olfaction Awards in Athens
Reflections on Athens: Art, Community, and the Art and Olfaction Awards
It has been nearly a month since I returned home from being a finalist the Art and Olfaction Awards in Athens, Greece. Yet, it has taken this time to truly process and articulate the profound impact of the people, events, and connections forged during what can only be described as a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
The 7th Experimental Scent Summit
The official itinerary commenced with the 7th Experimental Scent Summit, hosted in the deeply historic setting of Karaiskaki. Upon arrival, we were welcomed by a captivating roaming performance artist, setting a beautifully creative tone for the day. For both Clare Presser, (Paperback Perfume Podcast) and I, it was a thrill to sit among and connect with some of the most innovative and influential international figures in contemporary perfumery.
The summit itself was an intellectual and sensory feast. The presentations offered brilliant insights into the multifaceted lenses through which fragrance can be conceived. I was deeply inspired by artisans drawing olfactory concepts from:
- Architectural structures and ancient landscapes
- The fleeting euphoria of the dance floor
- The translation of musical notes into liquid accords
- The distillation of national identity and native flora into scent
Culture, Connection, and Curation
The following days beautifully merged history with modern craftsmanship. A dedicated market day showcased the exceptional work of Greek perfumers, set against the backdrop of ancient ruins. Hosted in a magnificent historic building, the venue featured a courtyard and terrace bar, a welcome oasis for the global perfume community to gather, reflect, and cool down after an immersive day of exploring innovative new fragrances.
Later, finalists, judges, and sponsors gathered for an exclusive evening reception at the elegant new Baruti Perfumes showroom. This intimate setting allowed us to experience the finalist fragrances firsthand, sparking rich conversations and deepening our shared passion for olfactory art.
A Night of Celebration at Gazarte
The pinnacle of the trip was the Awards Ceremony, held at the spectacular rooftop venue of Gazarte. Welcomed by custom fragranced cocktails, curated DJ sets, and an atmosphere of low-key glamour, the evening was unforgettable.
While I did not return with an award, I came away with something far more valuable: a profound sense of validation and belonging. Engaging in deep conversations with fellow independent perfumers, hearing their journeys, and receiving encouraging feedback from the esteemed judging panel was an incredible honour.
The evening culminated in a collective roar of genuine elation for the winners. Clare and I were particularly vocal when fellow Australian David Clarke was announced as a winner, our national pride on full display.
Ultimately, my greatest takeaway from Athens was the immense warmth and strength of the global scent community. I return to the studio inspired, validated, and deeply connected to the future of independent fine fragrance.
Thank you to the Art and Olfaction Awards, the judges, sponsors and our incredible hosts in Athens, and everyone who made this journey so remarkable. Stay tuned as I channel this inspiration into the next chapter of Aysha Hansen Fine Fragrances.
