Hetain Patel
Hetain Patel is a London-based visual artist and performance maker.
Patel is interested in connecting marginalised identities with the mainstream in an effort to destabilise notions of authenticity and promote personal freedom. With an autobiographical starting point, he uses humour and the languages of popular culture to highlight familiarity within the exotic; recognition within the unknown. This often involves exploring fantasy through a DIY domestic lens. He works collaboratively with artists across disciplines, and with family members and non-professionals.
Patel’s live performances, films, sculptures, and photographs have been shown worldwide from the Venice Biennale, Ullens Centre for Contemporary Art, Beijing and Tate Modern, London to Sadler’s Wells, where he is a New Wave Associate. Patel made his first dance company work for Candoco in 2014, which continues to tour internationally. His video and performance work online have been watched over 35 million times, including his TED talk of 2013 titled Who Am I? Think Again.
Patel took up residence in Quarantine’s Tenancy house on the border of Manchester and Salford, UK – not far from Bolton, where he was born – from 15 to 28 September 2019. During this time he got to know the artistic neighbours, broadcasting a series of conversations with local artists, producers and curators over Facebook Live. During these conversations they discussed what it is to be an artist – how to balance making art with paying the bills – and asked what about the ecology is and isn't working. His residency culminated in a public meeting at Manchester Art Gallery, where artists came together to reflect on the issues of the week and discuss how change can be brought about.
- Residencies:
- Manchester & Salford
