Aesthetics
“Absence is the figure of privation; simultaneously, I desire and I need. Desire is squashed against need: that is the obsessive phenomenon of all amorous sentiment.”― Roland Barthes, A Lover's Discourse: FragmentsIn this episode, Liam Sardea, philosopher of aesthetics and Brand Experience Manager at NOAH, discusses the transformative power of creativity and imagination in everyday life. Drawing on his PhD research and Roland Barthes' ideas, he explores how meaning, emotion, and narrative arise through sensory encounters, especially scent.
Liam shares his personal fragrance journey, the evolution of perfume blogging, and the intersection of philosophy, aesthetics, and olfaction. The conversation also covers the cultural and historical roles of perfume and its connection to literature.
Advocating for “olfactory culture,” Liam emphasises sensory literacy and meaningful dialogue about smell, reflecting on how scent, memory, and imagination shape our understanding of ourselves and the world.
Fragrances mentioned:
Feminite du Bois - Serge Lutens
Une Amourette Roland Mouret - Etat Libre d'Orange
Fille en Aiguilles - Serge Luten
Cuir Ottoman - Parfum d'Empire
Book discussed:
A Lover’s Discourse: Fragments - Roland Barthes
Find Liam here:
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Theme music for the show was created by Raul Sanchez I Jorge. Check out his solo work on Wild Animal Records
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Paperback Perfumes
Welcome to Paperback Perfumes! The host Clare Presser is a Librarian with a fascination for fragrances and their capacity to evokes memories and experiences through the activation of the olfactory system. In this podcast she chats with guests about their connections with scents and stories through the pairing of perfumes and literary texts. Think of it as reader’s advisory for fragrance lovers, or fragrance recommendation for bibilophiles - whichever experience is your first priority. It’s fun exercise that allows a lovely discussion around people’s personal interpretation of experience, scent, and storyHosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
- No. of episodes: 56
- Latest episode: 2025-07-15
- Arts Books Fashion & Beauty
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