Turning Poo Into Perfume

In 1961, Piero Manzoni created created a piece of art called "Merda d'artista" which was composed of 30gr of net freshly preserved poo (his own) in a tin.

Fast forward fifty years later, and we have this: hipster extraordinaire and artist Jammie Nicholas has turned his own poo into perfume ... and selling 'em!

Enough of this shit. So, to your perfume – how’d the idea come about?
I was reading a book by the French writer Dominique Laporte called The History Of Shit, which analyses the theoretical and social implications of faeces, and its role as a building material for cosmetics. It suggested that pleasant smells were used to cover bad smells, so it could be suggested that a bad smell could be used to cover pleasant smells.

Isn’t that an incredibly obvious thing to base an art stunt like this around?
Well I did some research and spoke to perfumers and scientists involved with smell at molecular levels. I learnt that there are molecules that are common to both good and bad smells – for example, the smell of faeces and many white flowers, such as orange blossoms and juniper, are from the molecule Skatol. They’re just there in varying concentrations.

http://www.viceland.com/wp/2011/03/when-life-gives-you-shit-turn-it-into-perfume/ - via I Heart Chaos


I was a bit worried that the most important things we can find to do is read about shit. But now I see that it is being put to good use. I guess I'm allergic to a lot of perfumes because I choke and asphyxiate when I inhale them. But, interestingly, the smell of human shit doesn't cause any choking or asphyxiation. Maybe I'll order some and leave it in the lunch-room at work, and maybe the ladies will prefer it.
Abusive comment hidden. (Show it anyway.)
Login to comment.
Click here to access all of this post's 4 comments




Email This Post to a Friend
"Turning Poo Into Perfume"

Separate multiple emails with a comma. Limit 5.

 

Success! Your email has been sent!

close window
X

This website uses cookies.

This website uses cookies to improve user experience. By using this website you consent to all cookies in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

I agree
 
Learn More