Keri Schroeder, “In the Wake of”

Artist Statement

In the Wake of is a sensory exploration of what it means to be alive disguised as a manual on how to be a human. The iridescent hexagonal structure rotates to reveal six display boxes that correspond with different stages of life: Infancy, Childhood, Adolescence, Adulthood, Midlife, and Senescence. Each box contains a unique bottle filled with a custom-made scent reminiscent of that time period, and a booklet that articulates the experiences and memories common to that stage of life. The sigils found throughout are devised from the chemical compound structures of the scents. The bottles are constructed of materials that reflect the psychological states of those ages: paper pulp, wood, plastic, ceramic, concrete, and glass. To activate this kit, one must spin the case, select one display box at a time, open it, open a bottle, smell the scent, and read the corresponding booklet. These olfactory catalysts are meant to create an immersive space for reflection – a nostalgic haze, a contemplative cloud – while the haptic elements play on our fingertips.

Keri Schroeder

New Mexico, USA
https://www.kerischroeder.com/
IG:  @coyotebonespress

https://chrisfritton.com/
IG:  @itinerantprinter

In the Wake of
2026

Acrylic, wood, bookboard, bookcloth, letterpress-printed booklets, handmade perfume bottles (glass, concrete, wood, 3D-printed plastic, paper pulp, clay), custom-made scents

14" x 12" x 8"

See More 2026 MCBA Prize Entries

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