The Taste of
Land & Labour
by Kendy Mitot
This artwork celebrates the significance of Sarawak peppercorn, a treasured spice deeply rooted in the lives, economy, and culinary traditions of Indigenous communities. Grown in the fertile highlands and nurtured through generations of knowledge, Sarawak pepper represents more than flavour, it embodies resilience, heritage, and sustainable living.
In Indigenous households, pepper farming is often a family endeavour, tied to seasonal cycles, communal labour, and local wisdom.
Its cultivation supports rural livelihoods, empowers smallholders, and connects traditional practices with global trade. Within traditional food culture, pepper holds a central role, enhancing everyday dishes and ceremonial meals with its bold, distinctive taste.
Visually, the work draws inspiration from the textures of pepper vines, the earth that nurtures them, and the hands that harvest each grain.
Visually, the work draws inspiration from the textures of pepper vines, the earth that nurtures them, and the hands that harvest each grain.
