An exploration of visual, spoken, and movement languages in Hetain Patel’s work is key to his investigations into identity. In this new video installation he plays with the idea of cultural assimilation through imitation. Being British born he looks at the possibility of trying to understand an Indian mindset, or at least the mindset of the Indian immigrants that make up his immediate legacy.

Developed from a recent photographic series in which Patel documented members of his family, this work sees the artist stepping into his father’s shoes, imitating his words, gestures and mannerisms. Patel takes the movements from his father’s work place into his own working environment - a studio. Developed in parallel with his new live work TEN, this piece requires a very specific choreography - a duet between performer and cameraman.

Learn more about Hetain Patel

Patel, Hetain - 'Learning to be Indian'
Patel, Hetain - 'Sine Language'