Redefining Contemporary Art Through Scent, Memory, and Human Experience
In a contemporary art world dominated by visual immediacy, Goar Sekhian Sanfilippo introduces a concept that invites audiences to slow down and feel. As the founder of Perfume Art Creation, she has developed a multisensory artistic model that integrates fragrance into visual artworks, transforming observation into personal memory.
With galleries in Zollikerberg, Venice, and Paris, Goar’s journey reflects the convergence of artistic intuition and international discipline. In this exclusive interview, she shares the origins of her concept, the evolution of her gallery, and the philosophy guiding her vision.
The Early Influences
We began the conversation by asking, “Could you share a bit about your early background, education, and the key experiences that shaped your career journey?”
“My early background was shaped by two parallel influences: creativity and international exposure. From childhood, I was immersed in artistic expression and the sensory world of fragrance. Art was never something external to my life; it was a natural language of emotion and identity.
Professionally, my path initially followed a different direction. For nearly two decades, I built my career in international trade. This experience profoundly shaped me. It taught me discipline, strategic thinking, negotiation, and the importance of cultural nuance. Working across borders refined my ability to connect different worlds — economically, culturally, and personally.
Perfumed Art emerged at the intersection of these two dimensions. In many ways, it represents the convergence of analytical rigor and emotional depth.”
The Evolution of the Gallery
Continuing the discussion, we asked, “How has your company evolved since its inception?”
“Since its inception, the gallery has evolved through both challenges and strong convictions. As a young gallery, we navigated limited recognition from critics and complex experiences within the art world. These challenges strengthened our commitment to integrity and long-term dedication to artists.
From the beginning, we have been deeply selective, placing human values and artistic authenticity at the center of our development. We support artists not only for their talent, but also for their professionalism and personal integrity.
In 2018, I founded Perfume Art Creation Gallery in Zollikerberg near Zurich. The gallery expanded to Venice in 2022 and Paris in 2023. Each expansion was intentional and reflective of the cultural identity of the region.”
Contribution to Regional Ecosystems
Exploring the gallery’s broader impact, we asked, “How does your business contribute to the ecosystem in your region?”
“Our contribution is always shaped by the identity and environment of each location.
In Zollikerberg, surrounded by protected green landscapes, we developed a palette of local olfactory identities inspired by the region — forest amber, tomato leaf, peony, fresh grass, and cut wood. These fragrances resonate with collective memory and strengthen cultural identity.
In Venice, our artistic direction reflects the tonalities of the canals and the interplay of water and light. We operate primarily by appointment, limiting excessive visitor flow and supporting a respectful rhythm within the historic district.
In Paris, located near the Eiffel Tower within Village Suisse, we are part of a cultural micro-ecosystem of contemporary and antique galleries. This environment fosters collaboration and reinforces artistic community. Across all locations, we integrate artistic excellence with environmental awareness and community engagement.”
Qualities for Success
Shifting the focus to leadership, we asked, “What three qualities do you believe are critical for success in your industry?”
“In our industry, three qualities are essential: vision, discernment, and integrity.
Vision is fundamental. Perfumed Art is an unconventional concept that required courage to develop beyond established formats.
Discernment ensures excellence. The strength of a gallery depends on the authenticity and coherence of its artists.
Integrity sustains credibility over time. Trust with artists and collectors is built through consistency, professionalism, and loyalty to one’s values.”
Innovation and Adaptation
Turning to innovation, we asked, “How has your organization adapted to technological changes? Could you share a key innovation you’ve implemented?”
“Perfume Art Creation is primarily an intellectual and experiential innovation rather than a technological one. Our adaptation lies in integrating contemporary understanding of perception and olfaction into the artistic experience.
Our key innovation is the development of perfumed art — artworks that combine visual expression with carefully composed fragrance. By engaging both sight and smell, we create a deeper interaction with the artwork.
From a technical perspective, we research fabrics and materials compatible with fragrance diffusion to ensure aesthetic quality and durability. We also conduct fragrance creation workshops, allowing participants to design their own scents and transform from spectators into active creators.”
Navigating Challenges
As the interview drew deeper into the realities of the art world, we asked, “How would you guide someone to navigate the key challenges you faced when establishing yourself in this industry?”
“I would emphasize originality, resilience, and collaboration.
Innovation requires courage. One of the major challenges I faced was seeing original concepts imitated. Ideas can be copied, but vision cannot. A copied concept rarely evolves with the same coherence because it is not rooted in authentic identity.
Resilience is essential. Behind elegant exhibitions lies a demanding reality that requires emotional strength and clarity. Trust can be fragile, and navigating artistic relationships requires maturity.
Finally, I encourage collaboration over conflict. The public recognizes authenticity and consistency. In the long term, integrity and high standards always reinforce credibility.”
Final Reflection
Before concluding, we asked, “What final message would you like to share with emerging entrepreneurs and creatives?”
“I would advise them to protect their vision and refine their quality continuously. True innovation grows from within and evolves over time. When your concept is deeply aligned with your identity, it cannot be equaled.
Remain resilient, stay open to collaboration, and never compromise your integrity. Creativity flourishes where discipline and authenticity meet.”
Connect with Goar Sekhian Sanfilippo on LinkedIn to explore her artistic vision and follow her journey in redefining contemporary art through scent and sensory experience.
Visit Perfume Art Creation at https://www.perfumeart.ch/ to learn more about the gallery’s presence in Zollikerberg, Venice, and Paris, and discover the world of perfumed art.
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