Hetain Patel, Baa’s House 11

Manifesting in heroic scale a figure often overlooked by media and advertising, Hetain Patel broadcasts ‘Baa’s House 11’ a poignant new commission for CIRCA showcasing a first-generation immigrant matriarch towering over the streets of London, Milan, New York, Seoul and Tokyo throughout November.  

Presented in collaboration with The Film London Jarman Award, ‘Baa’s House 11’ embodies the spirit of  iconoclastic filmmaker and polemical gay activist Derek Jarman. Influenced by his legacy of challenging  perceptions, giving a voice to marginalised communities and pushing creative practices forward, The Mayor  of London has supported Patel in creating a special trompe-l’oeil 3D experience exclusively for Piccadilly  Lights, as part of their ‘Let’s Do London’ campaign.  

Exploring themes of immigration and identity on a global stage, ‘Baa’s House 11’ pays homage to Patel’s  grandmother, performed by Indian Kathak dancer, Vina Ladwa. Co-opting billboard spaces in five major  cities, Patel shows his grandmother looking out from the screen, empowered in everyday labour, whilst surveying passers by watching below. Typically under-represented in such spaces of mass media and  advertising, the matriarch challenges audiences around the world to confront the power of such  torchbearers of cultural heritage within the migrant community. 

Patel, winner of the 12th Film London Jarman Award notes:

I am interested in a representation of my  grandmother occupying this space instead, striking, and powerful in her domestic action…. The invitation  to occupy such iconic spaces around the world is huge – physically, artistically, and culturally. Working at  this scale is both daunting and thrilling. I can’t wait to share this new commission with audiences in London  and beyond.

Hetain Patel is a celebrated British artist of Indian descent who frequently works with family members,  exploring the creative potential inherent in familial bonds and domestic settings.

NOVEMBER PROGRAMME
Baa’s House 11 by Hetain Patel
1 – 30 November, CIRCA 20:21

20:21 BST ➳ London, Piccadilly Lights
20:21 KST ➳ Seoul, COEX K-Pop Square
20:21 CET ➳ Milan, Cadorna Square, EssilorLuxottica
20:21 EST ➳ New York, Luxottica, Times Square
09:00 JST ➳ Tokyo, Yunika Vision, Shinjuku

Hetain Patel (born 1980) is a visual artist and performance maker. He has done Bruce Lee impersonations on stage at the Royal Opera House, completed commissions for Tate Modern and Sadler’s Wells, London, made a working class Transformer robot from an old Ford Fiesta (with his dad), designed part of a mini golf course for the Venice Biennale, toured his live performances, internationally (in English and French), made his first dance company work for Candoco, and was invited to do a TED talk which has since had over 2.9 million hits. His works are in public and private collections in the UK and internationally, including Tate, British Council and Fondazione In Between Art Film.

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. Sometimes this involves exploring fantasy through a DIY domestic lens, whilst other works emulate the high production values of Hollywood.

Working collaboratively with artists across disciplines, and with family members and non professionals, Patel enjoys working across multiple languages, culturally and artistically.

Patel is represented by Chatterjee & Lal, Mumbai, is a New Wave Associate at Sadler’s Wells, London, is a Patron of QUAD, Derby, Patron of Film London’s Jarman Award, and sits on the Artist Council for a-n. He is the winner of the Film London Jarman Award, 2019, Kino Der Kunst Festival’s Best International Film 2020, and has been selected to participate in British Art Show 9, touring through 2021-22.