Ethereal Emanation: A Fragrant Distortion

Self Portrait -Francis Bacon, 1973

Ethereal Emanation: A Fragrant Distortion

Inspiration is an intricate psychological process—a fusion of memory, emotion, and subconscious impulses that manifest into artistic expression. For my imaginative campaign image for Tom Ford’s Rose de Chine perfume, I drew from the haunting distortions of Francis Bacon’s Self Portrait (1973). Bacon’s philosophy on portraiture—capturing not just the physical form but the very emanation of a subject—resonated deeply with my vision.

My composition presents an abstract depiction of black lips emerging from a substance reminiscent of pink jelly, surrounded by splashes of black liquid against a soft pink background. At the centre sits the perfume, encapsulating both sensuality and transformation. The subconscious distortions in Bacon’s work mirror the way inspiration functions in the human mind—shaped by fragments of perception, emotion, and personal experience. His ability to convey the raw, pulsating presence of a subject influenced my approach, allowing me to translate scent into imagery, where form dissolves and reassembles in a dreamlike state.

Just as Bacon believed that a portrait should capture the intangible essence rather than mere likeness, my visual narrative seeks to evoke the ephemeral allure of Rose de Chine—a fragrance that, much like art, lingers beyond the immediate, leaving an impression that is both visceral and elusive.

Tom Ford, Rose de Chine By Marshmallow Agency

At Marshmallow Agency, we love drawing inspiration from the richness of art history—exploring colour palettes, moods, and timeless references. Our creative direction thrives on the fusion of the new and relevant with the old and inspiring, creating a unique visual language that resonates.

What is your creative process?

Written by Karolina Maria Dudek