At first, when I watched Hetain Patel’s TED Talk I thought it was just a funny sketch but as I continue to understand the point his was bringing across I realized that I was more connected and inspired by his work. They way he interprets how we learn from everyone and everything around us and that in imitating these things and people we fail, therefore we become more authentic. The reason why I can connect with Patel is because I have all my life being in the same position as him. I have tried to find my authenticity but in the process, I have imitated many characters: my mom, my dad, heroes, artists, etc. When I went to college to study Sociology (Bachelor’s degree) was when I realized how all of this collided to bring my uniqueness. How the culture of our parents, the places we grow and the stimulus created by the media affect us. The one thing I like the most about Patel’s art and delivery is that even though it may look like it has a political motive but in reality it is not. As he describes it, it’s the result of the ideas that he has allowed to take residence in his body; now he let it loose in what is his unique art; through video, live performance, and photography, to name a few while delivering it with humor. But is it really humor or is it a way to let out the truth that is deep within him (ourselves)? The ever-changing self-walking the path of finding individuality in a different light in his eyes. It persuades you to try to find yourself, your authenticity and create a world very much yours: find your brand. His art is very much his as it very much of us the ones that can understand and relate to his story, that is why his performances mostly leave and an open end.
A review of his work on The Guardian: http://www.theguardian.com/stage/2012/nov/28/hetain-patel-be-like-water-review
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