This assignment is based on your having read and engaged with Nai Saitos Travels Through South Indian Kitchens. The author offers a perspective (visual and written) and a cultural reading of social relationships that express themselves in various kitchens she visits. If you were to visit and spend a little time in the kitchen of an Asian friend in Houston, would you be able to offer a similar account? What story would you tell?
Step 1: Find a friend who is originally from some country in Asia, or whose parents were (1st or 2nd generation Asian). Ask if you can spend an hour or two with them in their kitchen, making a simple meal or single dish with them. Things to look out for:
how is the kitchen organized? Take care to notice all details. How is it used?
Who is using it? Who is cooking in it? (whole families, students, others..?)
Has the space been adapted to Asian cooking needs in any way gadgets, utensils, objects? What about the fridge? Or the pantry?
Has the space been adapted to Asian cultural needs in any way shrines? Other objects/uses?
Have Asian family, religious or other cultural needs been changed to adapt to the space and local resources available? (think about people using more sauces and packaged foods, or making special trips to obtain specific ingredients)
From a sensory perspective (visual, smell, taste, sound, feeling), how is this space different from ones you are familiar with or unique?
Step 2: Draw it out. A pencil sketch is fine! It can be rough. You can use clip art if it helps you. But use your visual representation to think about all the different corners of the kitchen space, or all the spaces in which food prep/consumption happens (a balcony? A driveway? In front of the TV?) & the other social interactions taking place in these spaces. Use Nao Saitos drawings for ideas!
Step 2: Taking inspiration from Nao Saitos commentaries (she, too, is an outsider who is trying to look at space, design, cooking, and social relationships), reflect on what you are learning about the relationship between space and cultural practices. Read more about anything with which you are unfamiliar.
You are required to cite a minimum of 5 sources (a combination of reputed newspapers, cookbooks, and journal articles.)
Your own commentaries should be about 6-8 pages long, NOT including your drawing.
!!!! https://www.dropbox.com/sh/22qhebbdnyxmc6t/AAASU-aj9Sy1riJQpMdsDAtRa?dl=0 (use this link for the chapters for the Nai Saito readings) !!!!!
