Baa's House 11, 2021 Public Art

[FAD Magazine]
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 film 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.”

Baa’s House 11 screened 1-30 November 2021 at the times and locations below:

20:21 Piccadilly Lights, London

20:21 K-Pop Square, Seoul

20:21 Luxottica Piazzale Cadorna, Milan

20:21 Luxottica Times Square, New York

09:00 Yunika Vision, Tokyo

20:21 CIRCA.ART