University of Derby   2004/2005

Hetain Patel

Hetain's photography centres on his identity as a second generation Indian and the cultural dimensions inherent in that. He is particularly interested in traditional Indian ceremonies and rituals and placing himself at the centre of this exploration. After graduating, he continued his work but became increasingly frustrated by the lack of creative control over the dark room process when using commercial darkrooms to develop his photographs. The chance to be on the Derby AA2A scheme came at an opportune time. He had just been awarded the Arts Council, England's Decibel Award, which gave him financial assistance which meant having the time to work. The darkroom facilities available on the University's AA2A scheme gave him complete creative control over the printing process resulting in new work for his book 'Sacred Bodies'.