THE ARTISTRY OF SPICES Exploring the world through spices

Clan Jetties, Penang, Malaysia. Turmeric, clove and Chinese Five spice on watercolor paper, 20”x 30”, 2012

INTRODUCTIONBrookie Maxwell travelled to Malaysia with a U.S. State Department grant to produce The Artistry of Spices. The program included spice investigations in Penang, a Children’s Spice Workshop, and an International chef’s event at the Ambassador’s residence In Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

U. S. Ambassador Paul Jones at the chef’s event U.S. Marines volunteering with children from the Chow Kit Foundation at The Children’s Spice Workshop

Painting with spices as pigment on the Clan Jetties in Penang

Spices have played a huge part in shaping our global history and culture. Wars were fought and civilizations rose and fell over spices. Spices were an impetus for global exploration; the volatile, lucrative establishment of spice routes helped to define modern trade. Spices have been valued for their taste and their aroma, their medicinal and magical properties and for dyes and cosmetics for over 5,000 years. Throughout history, people have used spices for everything from preparing feasts, to religious ceremonies, to embalming the dead. Spices were more valuable than gold. Spices like pepper were items of status, medicine, spirituality, and sexuality that were the exclusive right of the wealthy and powerful. Today spices are used and shared by all cultures: they can be grown, harvested and traded between countries through fair and sustainable industry. Malaysia was central to the Ancient spice trade, and spices are still a central part of life in Malaysia today.

SPICE ROUTES PAINTED IN CLOVE

Maxwell and cookbook author Catherine Jones travelled to Penang, which was a central location during the ancient spice trade. They collected spices for the programs, and tasted traditional spice based Malaysian foods like Assam Laksa. Jones documented their trip with photographs, and Maxwell created paintings of their investigations, using spices like Turmeric, Nutmeg, and Clove as pigment. Their explorations helped them form a better understanding of Malaysia’s role in the ancient and modern global spice trade, and how spices impact Malaysian life, as reflected in Malaysian cooking today - a spice filled fusion of Malaysian, Indian, Chinese and Eurasian cuisine.

Buckets of chili, turmeric, cumin, and curry at the spice shop in Penang

INVESTIGATION IN PENANG

CHILDREN’S PROGRAMChildren’s Spice WorkshopMaxwell directed a Children’s Spice Workshop for twenty-one children from the Chow Kit Foundation. The Chow Kit Foundation works with refugees, orphans, and other underserved populations. The Children’s Spice workshop took place at the residence of the US Ambassador to Malaysia, Paul Jones. The program was designed and piloted in collaboration with Shira Weinert and CAE, at PS5 in Inwood, New York City.

INDIVIDUAL EXPLORATION USING FIVE SENSESThe Children’s Spice Workshop was an individual and global exploration of the world of spices. It began with the “Mysterious Artist’s Letter”, and the “Seven Steps”, which outlined the goals and steps of the program in an imaginative fashion. Next was a five - sense exploration of more than forty international spices, including Nutmeg from Penang, Galangal from China, Turmeric from India, Grains of Paradise from Ghana, and Sassafras from the U.S.A.“Spice It Up!”, a spice dance component, followed, and then a spice based discussion on global history, geography, and cultural heritage using large world maps and smart phones. Children chose their favorite spice; volunteers helped them to research its country of origin, how it is grown, harvested, and imported, and what recipes are cooked with it.

SWEET SPICE DANCE AND FIREY DANCE

The children’s spice program is designed to counteract the difficulties the children have experienced with unexpected positive experiences, reinforcing the idea that life is full of beautiful surprises as well as negative challenges. The program builds hope, self - esteem, and empowerment; it supports engagement in other positive activities such as education and positive exchange between countries. Our volunteers from the US Marine Security Detachment and the U.S. Embassy provided personal attention for every child. Children and teachers from the Chow Kit foundation enthusiastically embraced the workshop. There were language barriers, but interpreters and visually based teaching materials made the lesson plan easy to comprehend. Although volunteers and children attending were from diverse communities, they focused on what they had in common, like the desire to reach out to others, and missing their families during the holidays.

USING ART AND SPICES TO BUILD HOPE

Adult volunteers and children tracing the spice routes and finding where the spices come from.

Teaching tools like appreciative based learning, five senses exploration, and self esteem building vocabulary - in addition to the high ration of volunteers to children - helped every child to have a wonderful experience. The volunteer staff, including members of The US Department of State, The US Embassy, The US Marine Corps Security Detachment in Kuala Lumpur, and the Malaysian American Alumnae Partnership - as well as adult and teen family members and close friends from Malaysia and the USA - provided the luxury of a 1-2 ratio of volunteers to children. The Ambassador attended the program and spoke individually with the children and the volunteer staff, which was deeply appreciated.

TEACHING PROCESS AND VOLUNTEER STAFF

CHILDREN’S WORK AND CHILDREN’S STORIESThe children were focused, attentive, well behaved, and hard working. They touched our hearts, and attachments were made. Two interactions with children were of special interest. After she completed her spice label, ten - year old Alliyah looked at the world map again and asked to see the whole wide world in the round. She may have been trying to figure out how to get to her volunteer Margaret Jones’s house in the US, as they were quite taken with each other. Margaret Jones’s son Liam showed Aliyah Google Earth on a smart phone. Alliyah’s eyes went wide as we showed her Kuala Lumpur, and then pulled away from Kuala Lumpur to Malaysia, to Asia, to our beautiful blue planet floating in space.

Working on the spice label drawings and the children’s spice labels

HEARTSeven year old Muhammed drew a picture of a broken heart on his paper. He then wrote, “I love you” and the names of the adults who had helped him that morning: volunteers Suk Ling and two Marines from the Security Detachment for Kuala Lumpur. I pointed this out to the adults, and they came over and gave Muhammed a hug. We then produced a large bandaid, and Suk Ling placed it on top of the drawing of the broken heart. He beamed from ear to ear, declared himself all better, and ran out to play. It was a magical fix like something out of the Wizard of Oz. And yet what happened was at the heart of the work. The workshop gave Muhammed the courage to tell strangers that his heart had been broken and he was in need of help. He told us in a picture. His cry was answered and valued in a communication that was on his terms. It was a call and response. The first step in any healing process. Because it was successful, he knows he can use art to ask again, and again, building his own healing community step by step.

A DAY OF HAPPINESSAs part of our self esteem building program, each child got a moment in front of the group to talk about their spice and what the created during the day. Additional responses from the children included statements like, “this is a day of happiness”. The Chow Kit Foundation said they had never been invited to a program such as this before and they were most grateful. Everyone had an opportunity to speak from the heart to the group about our day.

Children presenting their spice and country of origin.

KIDS DECORATING SPICE CUPCAKESCatherine Jones provided a spiced based lunch, desert, drinks, and snacks as a further exploration of the theme.

The day finished with free playtime in which children could choose to play basketball or soccer, supervised by the volunteers.

FREE PLAY TIME

SPICES CONNECT US ALLThe children sang a traditional Malaysian goodbye song to us and they were off. Spices and love- and the foods we cook with them - connect us all. The Chow Kit Foundation called us the next day to tell us the children were still talking about spices.

The Children’s Spice Workshop was not open to the press but a press release featuring highlights of the day was sent to the press that afternoon, and members of the press were provided with photographs and the opportunity to interview the artist. The press release is included in this document.

THE SPICES

Ajwain - (seeds)- India, PakistanAmchur- (Mango Fruit) - South AsiaAllspice - (berry)- Jamaica, Mexico, Central America, PalestineBay Leaves - USA, America, India, Pakistan, Mexico, West IndiesBerber spice- (a spice mixture of chili peppers, garlic, ginger, dried basil, korarima, rue, white and black pepper, and fenugreek) – Ethiopia, EritreaBirds Eye Chili -( pepper) – Vietnam, Cambodia, Malaysia, Indonesia, Ghana, UgandaCaraway - (seed, black)- Europe, North Africa and Middle East Cardamom - (seed)- (green and black) India, Malaysia, Australia Chili - (pepper) - Philippines, Central and South America, Indonesia, China, Korea, Japan, IndiaCinnamon - (stick) - Vietnam, Sri Lanka, IndonesiaClove - (bud) - Pakistan, Zanzibar, Indonesia, Malaysia, IndiaCoriander - (seed) - / Cilantro (leaf) Middle East, Central Asia, India, Mexico, North AmericaCubeb Pepper – Java, SumatraCumin - (seed) - Iran, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Turkey, Morocco, Egypt, India, Syria, Mexico, ChileCurry leaves - IndiaCurry Powder – (coriander, cumin, turmeric ginger, black pepper, red pepper, cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, cloves) – India Fennel - (plant)- MediterraneanGalangal – (blue ginger plant ) – IndonesiaGaram Masala – (black and white pepper, cloves, cinnamon, cumin, cardamom) – North and South India

Ginger - (root and flowers) - China, Japan, Pakistan, Nepal, Myanmar, IndonesiaGrains of Paradise - (Meleguata / Alligator Pepper) - Ghana, Guinea Juniper Berries - Europe, North AmericaLemon Grass - (grass) – India, AsiaLicorice - (root) – Europe, AsiaMustard Seed - (seed) - India, NepalNutmeg - (seed and Mace fruit) - Grenada, Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea Pickling Spice - (cinnamon, pepper, mustard seed, bay leaves, allspice, dill seed, cloves, ginger, peppercorns, coriander, juniper berries, mace, and cardamom)Poppy Seed - Afghanistan, Thailand Saffron - Spain, Kashmir, IranSalt - (mineral) - China, India, Thailand, SpainSassafras / File Gumbo - North America, Eastern Asia, Mexico Sesame seeds - India, Sub - Saharan AfricaStar Anise - (seed) – China, India, Iran Sumac - (berry) – North America, Africa Tarragon - (leaves) - France, Russia, USATurmeric (root) - South Asia, South IndiaTamarind - (plant) - Sudan, Cameroon, Nigeria, Tanzania, Omar, Dhofar, South Asia, AustraliaVanilla - (bean)- Madagascar, Reunion, Central and South AmericaZeera - (black cumin plant) Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Afghanistan

ADULT PROGRAM

The International Chefs eventThe event held at the Ambassador’s residence was attended by fifty guests, including invitees of the US Embassy and the Department of State, staff members, chefs, and their assistants. The program began with an introduction by US Ambassador to Malaysia Paul Jones, moderated by Catherine Jones.

SPICE LECTUREMaxwell presented a power point presentation on spices, and a short lecture about the history of spices - and how spices, once a cause of war, have become objects of peaceful global trade. She talked about how cuisines change as global societies change, and how spices bring diverse communities together through food, medicine, cosmetics and perfume. Bringing diverse communities together is a central theme in Maxwell’s projects.

THE CHEFSMANJU SAIGAL

Spices from Penang and Chow Kit Market in Kuala Lumpur were featured as part of the global selection of spices in the table settings and in the chef’s presentations of tasting menus. Indian chef and “Spice Guru” Manju Saigal created Kesari Murg / Saffron Chicken with Lemon Rice, Shish Kebabs, and Achari Sabzi / Pickled Vegetables.

AMY BEHChinese chef Amy Beh created Kiam Chye Ark / Duck and Salted Mustard Green Soup, Cit Kut / Vegetarian Herbal Spiced Soup with Otak – Otak / Spicy Fish Custard, and Bee Koh / Traditional Glutinous Rice Desert in Screw Pine Leaves.

ROHANI JELANIMalaysian chef and cooking school teacher Rohani Jelani created Chicken Redang, Nasi Kunyit / Turmeric Flavored Rice, Masak Lemak Udang / Prawns with Pineapple in Coconut Milk, and Onde – Onde / Pandan Leaves. (Brookie Maxwell’s Spice paintings are on the wall behind her.)

CATHERINE JONESCatherine Jones created Chocolate pots with Garam Masala, Curry Ice Cream, and Spiced Cookies - classic western deserts featuring Asian spices.

RESPONSEThe Children’s Spice Workshop and the International Chefs Event went exactly as planned. This can be attributed to good planning meetings, an organized, professional team, a creative and positive exchange of ideas, good collaboration, and a closely connected volunteer staff.At the International chef’s event, the presentations were artful and the spice themed environment inspired discussions and encouraged connections between countries. The food was innovative, fresh, and delicious. Response was very positive. Press interest was strong: ten reporters interviewed Maxwell, Jones, the four chefs, and Ambassador Jones. The Star wrote an article, included in this document, and Tattler Malaysia is considering a feature.

In Malaysia:The U.S. Department of State, The US Embassy in Malaysia, Ambassador Paul Jones, Catherine Jones, The Public Affairs office at the US Embassy, Anita Ghildyal, Riazurrahman Sadayan, Chew Wing Foong, Isabel MacLeish, Nava Apputhurai, Leni Abdul Latif, Wan Intan Safinaz Ab Hamid, Nur Farizan Zulkifli, Wan Andra Wan Ismail, and Mariati Dato Mohd Yusoff. Chefs Manju Saigal, Amy Beh, Rohani Jelani, and their assistants. The household staff of the US Ambassador’s Residence headed by Jennifer Lim, The Household staff of U.S. Deputy Chief of Mission’s residence, the U.S. Embassy General Services Office.For the children’s workshop: The Chow Kit Foundation, Suk Ling, Hong Rich Vernon, Ellis Maxwell, Allie and Hale Jones, Margaret Jones, Liam Jones, Alec Chapin, The Malaysian American Alumnae Partnership, and the Marine Security Detachment Kuala Lumpur. In the U.S.A.:Designer Milton Glaser, teaching artist Shira Weinert, Gallery 138 assistants Laura Gooch and Chanel James.

PARTNERS AND SUPPORTERS

PRESS RELEASE

PRESS RELEASE Press Office Embassy of the United States of America Kuala Lumpur, MalaysiaTelephone: (603)-2168-5000Fax: (603)-2148-9192 Visit http://www.facebook.com/usembassykl Follow us http://twitter.com/usembassykl ATTENTION: NEWS EDITORS January 3, 2013 U.S. ARTISTRY OF SPICES PROGRAM HELPED CHILDREN LEARN ABOUT THEIR WORLD Kuala Lumpur, January 3, 2013 – Learning about spices was made easy for children through “The Artistry of Spices” program sponsored by the U.S. Embassy during a workshop for children with U.S. artist Brookie Maxwell at the U.S. Ambassador’s official residence on January 2, 2012. Through the workshop, young guests from the Chow Kit Foundation enjoyed learning about spices from around the world and compared different types of spices to develop sensory and cultural awareness. They had a most aromatic “school” day where they used taste, smell, sight, hearing, and touch to explore spices. The program participants expanded their knowledge by drawing, reading, writing, and researching online to learn about family, culture, geography, and global history – all through spices. They looked on the world map to see the countries of origin of the spices and talked how spices are marketed and the ways spices are transported - everything from donkeys to jet planes. They tasted familiar spices like curry, and new spices like Berber spice from Ethiopia, Juniper from Sweden, Grains of Paradise from Ghana, and File Gumbo from America. In the “Spice it up!” part of the program, children created spice based dances – ending with a bit of Gangnam Style. They chose a favorite spice, and made take home spice jars with their own hand made labels. Throughout the program, the children and volunteers shared lunch, spicy cupcakes and chai tea created by Catherine Jones, wife of U.S. Ambassador Paul W. Jones. Ambassador Jones also attended and spoke with children and volunteers. Seven year old Muhammed drew a picture of a broken heart on his paper. He then wrote, “I love you” and the names of the adults who had helped him that morning: volunteers Suk Ling and the U.S. Marine Security Detachment from the Embassy. Touched by his comments, Brookie Maxwell then produced a plaster, and Suk Ling placed it right on the drawing of the broken heart. He beamed from ear to ear, said he was healed, and ran out to play. At the end of the program each child spoke on camera about the spice each of them had chosen, and where it comes from. They showed off their spice labels with pride. “This is a day of happiness,” said 12 year old Shakila. The children sang a traditional Malaysia goodbye song to us and they were off. Spices and love- and the foods we cook with them - connect us all.

PRESS AND LINKShttp://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2013/1/8/central/12540431 http://www.what2seeonline.com/2013/01/artistry-of-spices-program-in-promoting-culture-heritage-and-cuisines/

http://myflavours.newspaperdirect.com/epaper/viewer.aspx

eflavors magazine

BROOKIE MAXWELL BIO

Brookie Maxwell is an artist, a curator, and the founding director of Gallery 138 in New York City. Maxwell’s personal art projects are designed to heal and engage diverse communities. Current personal art projects include Exodus, an art installation about New Orleans in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, and River, a project about the Hudson River. Current group exhibitions include For Panzi, a national touring exhibition in support of Panzi Hospital in Congo. At Gallery 138, Maxwell produces solo and group exhibitions and other presentations in partnership with museums, corporations, governmental organizations, and NGOs. Recent gallery projects include Art and Finance Now: exhibitions and dialogs, co produced by the International Center for Photography. Maxwell’s work is held in many public and private collections. Her work was recently chosen by the US Ambassadors to Malaysia and Djibouti through the State Department’s Arts in Embassies project. Images from Exodus were recently exhibited at The New Orleans Museum of Art as part of the permanent collection of the Amistad Research Center. Earlier in her career, Maxwell founded and directed Creative Arts Workshops (CAW), an arts - based NGO. She designed and created two art parks in Harlem and numerous community-based permanent public art projects. She designed projects in collaboration with artists including Christo and Jeanne Claude, Sol Lewitt, Al Loving, Milton Glaser, David Johns, and Alex Katz to create public art projects for The Port Authority of New York & New Jersey, Bellevue Hospital Center, and The Metropolitan Transportation Authority for the State of New York. CAW’s projects used the arts to teach survival skills, leadership, and community building to one hundred inner – city at - risk children, their multi stressed families, and their communities. Her programs are still used to address homelessness, substance abuse, HIV / AIDS, and gender based violence through inspiration, education, empowerment and hope. Maxwell has received awards from the Mayor of New York and the Borough President of Manhattan. She was recently interviewed by Penelope Green, and by Michelle Agins, for The New York Times.

Maxwell earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1977 from The School of Visual Arts, New York. In 2008, she conducted post - graduate studies with C. Daniel Dawson at Columbia University’s Institute of African Studies. In 2011, Maxwell attended Women and Power: Leadership in a New World, at Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government.