10 Questions with Yuqing Liu

Yuqing Liu, an esteemed olfactory interaction artist and immersive experience designer, is celebrated for her groundbreaking work in human olfaction and memory. Utilizing advanced multisensory technologies, Liu explores how scents influence memory preservation and formation. Her journey began during her postgraduate studies, where she developed innovative olfactory interaction design methodologies, culminating in a widely acclaimed graduate project. This immersive olfactory space, featured at the UAL graduate exhibition in Decem- ber 2021 and on the school's official website, marked the start of her notable career.

In 2022, Liu expanded her influence as a lecturer in olfactory interaction art, focusing on the transformative power of scent in memory and narrative. Collaborating with educational institutions in China, she shared her knowledge and expertise, further establishing her role in the art and educational community.

Liu's work reached new heights in 2023, playing a key role in Omega's "Every Shade of You" campaign in partnership with EcoScent. She crafted five unique scents, enhancing the audience's experience with the brand's new watch colors. This project underscored her leadership in experiential marketing and olfactory art.

Her artistic vision continued with "VI-SCENT.Lab_Memory Archiving System" and "The Boiling Ocean," showcased in London-based exhibitions in 2023. These works, celebrated on social media, further elevated Liu's standing in contemporary art.

As an art creator at the dawn of her career, Liu is optimistic about the future of olfactory interaction. Her extensive experience and research position her to continue innovating in scent, memory, and interactive art, making her a standout figure in the art world.

liuyuqing.co.uk | @ellieliu84

ARTIST STATEMENT

Yuqing Liu's artistic journey in olfactory interaction art is profoundly personal, inspired by her grandfather's battle with Alzheimer's disease. Witnessing his fading memories, Liu was deeply moved by his attempts to preserve fragments of his past in sketchbooks. These sketches, filled with hand-drawn maps and stories, became her window into the human memory, fueling her passion to create.

Choosing scent as her medium, Liu focused on its potent ability to trigger memories and emotions. In a world dominated by visual stimuli, she believed expanding sensory perceptions could offer new understandings. Scent, with its direct link to emotions and memory, stood out as a natural interactive material for her art. It offered a way to design experiences that not only retrieve memories but also resonate deeply on an emotional level.

Liu's work is a blend of love, loss, and a desire to preserve the ephemeral threads of memory that define human experiences. Her belief in the importance of olfactory senses in perceiving environments, recording emotions, and even detecting danger signals is central to her practice. She sees the evolution of technology, particularly in virtual and mixed realities, as an opportunity to integrate scent in ways that have been largely unexplored.

Her art is not just interactive; it's a mission to tap into the deepest recesses of memory and emotion through scent. As she envisions a future where technology embraces all senses, including olfaction, Liu's work stands as a crucial step in expanding the boundaries of sensory interaction in art. Her dedication to this field reflects a unique approach to preserving and evoking memories, making her work a significant contribution to the realm of sensory art.

The Boiling Ocean, Memory Tea Bags, 220x80x100 cm, 2023 © Yuqing Liu

INTERVIEW

First of all, introduce yourself to our public. Who are you, and what is your cultural and artistic background?

Hello, I'm Yuqing Liu, an olfactory interaction artist and immersive experience designer. My cultural and artistic background is deeply rooted in exploring the symbiotic relationship between scent, memory, and technology. Originally from China, I am currently based in London, where I continue to expand my artistic horizons.

When did you first get interested in art? And when did you decide to turn this passion into a career?

My journey into the world of art started as a child, with an innate curiosity about the world around me. I remember being mesmerized by the vibrant colors in nature, the intricate patterns in traditional Chinese fabrics, and the captivating stories behind each painting I saw. But it was during my postgraduate studies that a deeper, more profound connection to art awakened within me. It was then that I realized art wasn't just a hobby or interest; it was a calling. The moment I started exploring the rich and uncharted territory of olfactory art, I knew I had found my true passion. This was not just something I loved; it was what I was meant to do. The decision to pursue it as a career felt as natural as breathing – it was a path I was destined to walk.

Awakening, Scent Archive, Scent interactive installation, 260x180x210 cm, 2021 © Yuqing Liu

You are originally from China, but you are based in London. What prompted you to move to the UK? And how did this impact your art career?

My move from China to London was a pivotal step in expanding my artistic horizons, particularly in olfactory art. This vibrant city, with its rich cultural diversity and avant-garde art scene, opened new doors for innovation and global exposure. It challenged me to push beyond traditional boundaries, integrating multisensory elements into my work. This transition didn't just change my location; it transformed my artistic approach, allowing me to connect with a wider audience and explore the vast possibilities of scent as a medium for immersive storytelling and experience.

Speaking of career, despite being very young, you already participated in several exhibitions and projects. What is so far the best experience you had? And what did you learn from it?

My most memorable experience in my journey of olfactory interaction art was the exhibition of my project "Awakening: Scent Archive" two years ago, a significant milestone in my career. This project, inspired by my grandfather, who suffers from Alzheimer's, aimed to use scents to rekindle his memories of me and the world around him. I developed a unique method for olfactory interaction art and, through innovative experiential design, invited audiences into my world of memories, creating a scent memory archive to encourage the sharing and exchange of unique olfactory recollections.
In this project, I witnessed firsthand how different scents evoked varied and personal responses from the audience. It was a revelation to see that every scent, not just the conventionally pleasant ones, has a story to tell and an experience to offer. This experience taught me the value of every aroma in our world and the power they hold in shaping our perceptions and experiences. It fueled my passion for designing olfactory interactions that transcend traditional boundaries, reminding me that the world of scent is as vast as the imagination and as deep as the human experience itself.

Let's now move to your work. You focus on olfactory art and create immersive installations that often require direct participation from the viewers. How did you develop this system? And what do you wish to investigate?

In my olfactory art, I strive to engage people in perceiving their surroundings through scent, sharing, and exchanging the memories and emotions it triggers. My work involves deeply researched multisensory interaction technologies, aiming to infuse experiences with more profound emotional connections. In the early stages of exploration, I conducted rigorous olfactory sensory experiments, using the data and analysis to develop a theoretical foundation for creating interactive scent experiences. My goal is to delve into how olfactory experiences can intensify memory recall and forge emotional connections, thereby building a bridge between the realms of reminiscence and the tangible world.

Smells and scents seem very ephemeral, especially to work with. How do you turn such intangible elements into artworks?

In my artistic practice, I turn the ephemeral and intangible nature of scents into tangible artworks, treating olfaction as a powerful yet often overlooked medium for creative expression and emotional awakening. This process is a delicate blend of science and emotion, where I meticulously craft scent compositions that are more than just aromatic elements; they encapsulate nuanced memories and unspoken emotions. Like painting with invisible ink, each fragrance stroke in my creations evokes a spectrum of feelings and recollections, capturing the fleeting whispers of memory and giving them form and presence.
In today's visually dominated world, my work invites a rediscovery of the neglected olfactory senses, offering an alternative sensory experience to the prevalent visual overload. I delve into the molecular intricacies of scents and their profound psychological impacts, aiming to reconnect people with their primal ability to perceive the environment and recognize danger signals through smell. My art bridges the ephemeral world of smells with the tangible realm of human experiences, highlighting the untapped potential of olfaction as a conduit for experiencing and interacting with our surroundings.

In your experience, what is the reaction of viewers to your work? What feedback do you usually receive?

In my exhibitions, where I present a variety of scent samples, the reactions and feedback from viewers have been remarkably diverse and emotionally profound. The personalized and unpredictable nature of olfactory memories always presents unique challenges and opportunities in my work. When visitors share their memories on a public platform, the responses are often unexpected and deeply moving. Some find common ground in their recollections and emotions, leading to excited exchanges about shared life experiences triggered by the same scent. Conversely, others experience starkly different memories from the same fragrance, where a scent that elicits joy and nostalgia in one person might evoke negative emotions in another. This spectrum of reactions not only underscores the subjective and powerful nature of scent but also enriches the interactive experience of my installations, revealing the complex and multifaceted relationship humans have with smell.

VI-SCENT.Lab, Memory Archiving System, Human-AI collaboration in Olfactory Visualization, 1920x1080 px, 2023 © Yuqing Liu

VI-SCENT.Lab, Memory Archiving System, Human-AI collaboration in Olfactory Visualization, 2960x2056 px, 2023 © Yuqing Liu

On a general level, what messages would you like to communicate with your work?

In my olfactory art, I endeavor to convey the scent yet often overlooked influence of scent on our lives. My work aims to illuminate the intricate link between scents and memories, revealing how aromas can evoke a unique spectrum of emotions and recollections for each individual. I challenge the visually dominated norms of art, advocating for the rediscovery of the nuanced olfactory senses. By integrating advanced multisensory technologies, my installations transcend traditional sensory boundaries, offering immersive experiences that engage audiences on a deeply personal and emotional level. Ultimately, my art is a celebration of the unseen and intangible, highlighting the essential role of scent in shaping our experiences and perceptions.

Is there anything else you would like to experiment with or any other element to incorporate into your work?

In the future, I am keen to further explore the integration of olfactory experiences within virtual and mixed reality environments. Building on my existing work with AR, VR, and MR technologies, I aim to create more immersive, multisensory experiences that not only evoke memories and emotions but also bridge the gap between the virtual and the real world. This exploration will involve delving deeper into the potential of scent as a narrative tool, pushing the boundaries of how we interact with and perceive art in digital spaces. By blending the physicality of scent with the versatility of virtual environments, I hope to unlock new dimensions in olfactory art, offering audiences innovative ways to engage with and understand the world around them.

The Boiling Ocean, Scent Ritual Installation, 100x80x200 cm, 2023 © Yuqing Liu

And lastly, as we are beginning a new year, what are your plans for 2024?

In 2024, I plan to embark on a nationwide project in the UK, focusing on gathering and cataloging olfactory memories from diverse communities across different cities. This initiative is aimed at enriching my scent memory archive, capturing the unique olfactory experiences and recollections of people from various cultural and social backgrounds. By collecting these scent samples and the associated memories, I intend to deepen the richness and diversity of my archive, which will serve as a foundational resource for future immersive olfactory narrative projects. This effort will not only enhance the scope of my olfactory art but also bring to light the shared and distinct scent experiences that define the diverse tapestry of life in the UK.
I hope these answers offer a comprehensive view of my artistic journey and practices. Should you need any further information or clarification on any of these points, please do not hesitate to let me know.

Artist’s Talk

Al-Tiba9 Interviews is a promotional platform for artists to articulate their vision and engage them with our diverse readership through a published art dialogue. The artists are interviewed by Mohamed Benhadj, the founder & curator of Al-Tiba9, to highlight their artistic careers and introduce them to the international contemporary art scene across our vast network of museums, galleries, art professionals, art dealers, collectors, and art lovers across the globe.

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