Patel’s new exhibition ‘Trinity’ is a homage to both, his life as an artist and his British Indian family.
The artist shows how he developed his skills and interests related to the reception of information through movement and physical contact.
The exhibition is divided into two parts.
In one of them, there is a large screen and seats as if straight from the cinema.
Around, you can also see posters, announcements of the next screening, as well as figurines and costumes used in the films.
Two films are played in this room: Don’t look at the finger and Trinity.
The first one introduces us to Hong Kong martial arts and two people having their wedding ceremony.
Patel shows this combat technique as a way of communicating and being the particle that unites all humanity.
The second, Trinity, runs for 23 minutes and is a short film about a young Indian girl living in London who is under pressure from her mother to get married.
The girl, however, has other plans for herself and through martial arts, she discovers her story and meets the love with which she is destined to be.
This film deepens the philosophy of Hong Kong martial arts by showing us that through movement we can connect with past lives that still are inside of us.
The second room is dark and only has a few seats.
There is also a large screen in the middle, but as it turns out, this time it is double-sided.
This part of the exhibition proposes a six-minute-long film.
Jump is almost like slow-motion photography.
On one side, it shows Spider-Man making a leap into an unknown space, accompanied by dramatic background music.
On the other side, you can see the same superhero in the company of Patel’s family sitting next to him.
Despite the fact that the exhibition is very well thought out and well structured, it did not evoke any more emotions in me nor did I think about it for the next day.
A common problem in modern art is talented artists who overthink and try to make their work too complicated or abstract.
Still, there were a few elements that definitely deserve a mention.
The movie Jump takes you to another world, is hypnotising, and combines many elements that theoretically should not fit, but thanks to their opposites, it creates unity.
The other two screenings did not make such an impression, although you could still admire the acting of all the performers and the beautiful costumes.
Some of them have been displayed as part of the exhibition, but there is also an option to purchase clothes with a similar vibe in the gift shop gallery.
Although the exhibition had mixed feelings on me, I encourage everyone to give it a chance and go to the New Art Exchange.
The exhibition is completely free, it is located on the ground floor and will be on display until April 23.
Rating: 6/10
