Black Gold: Spices and Christians, 2004
Donald Fels
(American, born 1946)
Location: University of Washington - Tacoma, Tacoma
ABOUT THE ARTWORK
Artist Donald Fels tells the stories of “Black Gold” through a series of eight artworks at the University of Washington’s Tacoma campus. Black pepper from India was so important to the late medieval European lifestyle of the 1400s that it often had a one-to-one exchange rate with gold. Pepper was often called “black gold.”
This is one of six “Black Gold” paintings illustrating the progression and details of the Indian black pepper trade that funded the European Renaissance (1400-1700). The paintings imitate the style of Indian movie billboards and honor Indian pop culture. They also explore the complicated and often brutal history of European colonialism.
Text on the painting: “In 1498 Vasco da Gama reached India seeking “Christians & spices.” Kerala, where he landed, is now 20% Christian. A remarkable partnership between enlightened Maharajas, local communists and Christian missionaries has helped the region achieve 98% literacy and a flat birth rate.”
This artwork was acquired for the State Art Collection in partnership with University of Washington.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Visual artist and writer Donald Fels is active in the United States, Europe, and Asia. “His work explores the routes that connect people with commodities, institutions with their environments, places with the ideas that have defined them.”
Fels received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Art, History and Literature from Wesleyan University in Connecticut. He received a Master of Arts in Education degree from City University, Seattle.
ARTWORK DETAILS
Material Category | Painting - paint on fabric |
Medium | Acrylic paint on canvas |
Dimensions | 4 ft in x 6 ft |
ID Number | WSAC2004.028.002A |
Acquisition Method | Direct purchase |
Artist Location | Washington, United States |
Location Information
Agency | University of Washington |
Artwork Location | University of Washington - Tacoma Cherry Parkes building, 1st floor lobby |
WA County | Pierce |
Placement | Interior |
Site Type | University |
Address | 1900 Commerce St. Tacoma, WA 98402 |
Geo. Coordinates | 47.244363, -122.436835 |
Before Visiting | Some artworks may be located in areas not accessible to the general public (especially in K-12 public schools). Consider contacting the site prior to a visit to ensure access. |
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