5318008

As part of the Wellcome Collection’s new permanent exhibition Being Human, AVM Curiosities were commissioned to create a bespoke sensory sculpture inspired by the theme of Infection. The eventuating bronze sculpture ‘5318008’ has been designed to emit an aroma that evokes the smell of human breast milk, as a celebration of the original superfood and the Bifidobacteria. Transferred from mother to child through breastfeeding, this bacterium is found in babies’ digestive systems and aids the breakdown of sugars in breast milk. This aromatic tribute to this phenomenon is designed to be tactile, bodily and playful – as seen in the title, which spells ‘boobies’ upside down.

5318008 | Scented Bronze Sculpture
Commission for Being Human | Permanent exhibition
Curated by Fiona Romeo & Clare Barlow
Wellcome Collection | Euston, London
Opens Thursday 5 September 2019
Until September 2029.

With thanks to Robert Erskine, CPL Aromas,
Dr Lindsay Hall & The Hearts Milk Bank