somatic atlas
an aroma reference kit that invites you to explore the complex nuances of human odor
This kit was produced in a collaborative effort between artist and researcher, M Dougherty and Dr. Meg Younger, Assistant Professor of Biology at Boston University. The project aims to provide a hands-on and immersive way to study and explore the molecules present in human odors.
The Somatic Atlas builds off of The Body Odor wheel, a circular map that classifies human body odors into seven main categories based on their scent characteristics. The seven categories are further divided into subcategories, creating a total of 28 distinct odor types.
The Body Odor wheel has become a useful tool for forensic scientists and researchers who study human odor, as well as for the fragrance industry. It has even been adapted into a "smell game" to help train people to recognize different body odors.
The wheel is intended to provide a language for discussing body odor that is both specific and objective. However, it is incomplete and includes gender assumptions. By improving in these areas and providing references, the Somatic Atlas allows users to experience as well as read about the various scent spaces present in humans.
This aroma reference kit contains a booklet and 30 vials, each representing a different scent characteristic found in the aroma of the human body. It provides a valuable resource for anyone interested in exploring the complex scents of the human biome. The Somatic Atlas takes inspiration from the aroma kits that sommeliers use to train their noses on the nuanced notes of wine.