b. 1980, United Kingdom
Hetain Patel has a diverse multi media and performative practice. Identity formation has been central to his concerns since the beginning of his career, more recently this idea has been viewed through the lenses of imitation, language and physical movement. Increasingly Hetain’s work is populated by characters, both fictional and real, in relation to which the artist juxtaposes himself in moments of elision and dissonance. Since 2010, his work has extended from gallery settings to the theatre. Hetain’s practice, exploring the subtle and often humorous complexities of life, has won a number of awards, including the Jarman Award for the film Don’t Look at the Finger (2019) and the Best International Film, Kino Der Kunst, Munich (2020).
Recent and upcoming projects include Don’t Look at the Finger, Tate St Ives (UK), Finding Family, Foundling Museum, London (UK), and Milk, Wellcome Collection, London (UK).