A JOURNEY INTO THE ARTISTRY AND PASSION OF FRAGRANCE

About the Lecture: 
Fragrance as artistic expression is a long-held belief of many legendary master perfumers such as Carlos Benaïm, as well as aesthetes such as Frederic Malle, both of whom have reimagined the art of scent. Through each of their lenses, Linda G. Levy, President of The Fragrance Foundation, frames fragrance as an art form that is transportive and emotive, presenting the perfumer as the creative artist behind olfactive art. Delving into Carlos Benaïm’s inspiration from Van Gogh’s Starry Night and guided by his “perfumery as art” mantra, Linda’s presentation will draw the artistic connection between perfumer, painter or sculptor through the use of ingredients, colors and materials. The journey continues with a spotlight on Frederic Malle as curator of artfully designed scents built on his brand ethos – “composing fragrances like works of art by giving free reins to famous perfumers with no creative limits.” The creative process and craftsmanship are further explored through art and fragrance collaborations with artists who translate fragrance into graffiti, graphic design, portraits and poetry. The sensory journey will also tap into synesthesia, where multiple senses are simultaneously engaged to experience scent as color.

About Linda Levy:
Linda Levy, President of The Fragrance Foundation, frames fragrance as an art form that is transportive and emotive. The craftsmanship of fragrance is celebrated through its inspiration, leading to the ultimate composition. The history of perfumery spans from ancient Egypt to France and then to America, predating the founding of the United States, with France establishing perfume as a revered artistic tradition and America advancing its modern evolution. She recognizes the perfumer as an artist, each bringing a distinct creative vision to the work, whether expressed like a painter, sculptor, musician, or architect. Fragrance engages both science and artistry, including the phenomenon of synesthesia, in which scent evokes color, and it holds a direct link to memory and emotion through its ingredients. Established to educate the American public about the benefits of wearing fragrance, The Fragrance Foundation has consistently upheld fragrance as art and perfumer as artist, notably through its Awards. The Foundation also introduced seven Scent Categories to guide consumers in discovering their preferred scent profiles; continues its educational mission through programs such as Scents of Success and the online course Fragrance Escentials; and strengthens the industry through a commitment to representation, inclusion, and community.

About the Symposium:
The Symposium on the Arts of France, a cultural program of the Alliance Française de Chicago, is a fundraising event providing support for our cultural, educational and outreach programming each year. The Alliance Française is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization.

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Each in-person program will begin with coffee at 11:00 a.m., lecture at 11:30 a.m., followed by a seated luncheon for Grand Patrons, Patrons and their guests. 

Each online lecture will begin at 11:30 a.m. After registering, you will be provided with a link for access to the lecture via Zoom. 

Individual In-Person Lecture Tickets – $50 Individual Online Lecture Tickets – $30