Interview

with Nikhil Patel:

GG: Geneyclee Gallery
NP: Nikhil Patel

GG:
Tell us about yourself, who are you and what is your background story?

NP:
My name is Nikhil Patel; I was born and
raised in Coventry in the United Kingdom,
however Ive spent the past four years living
and studying art in London. Art has been ever
present in my life for as long as I can
remember. My family has always been
creative; my father was a published
photographer when he was younger whilst
my mother has always had a creative flair.
However, I have to say that my biggest
artistic influence in my life came from my
grandfather who was an artist himself, I
remember watching him paint and being
surrounded by his artwork.

GG:
Tell us a little about your process of creation.

NP:
My work is heavily processed based and this requires a combination of
numerous layers that have to balance alongside one another. I have to find the
right balance between the colors and patterns within the fabrics and the colors
and designs that I will overlay on top of one another. It is a dedicated process
and this is what I love doing.

GG:
Why do you do what you do?

NP:
Art is a part of who I am; Ive always pursued art because of my love for it. I have
always believed that one should pursue their passion, and mine is without a
doubt art. I hope that through my work I can find some clarity about my own
place in the numerous different cultures that I belong to, and if people from a
similar situation can relate to my work, I will be happy.

GG:
Does your work have a role in society?

NP:
Much of the work that I have produced for the Affordable Art Fair is about my
personal journey of self-discovery. The works are much more relevant to myself
than to a wider world. However, my newer works do address the issue of
poverty, social welfare and the displacement of people through either poverty or
war. This is something that I will look to develop further in my future works.

GG:
Do you listen to any music whilst you work, and if so, what is your favorite genre
to listen to?

NP:
I usually go on Spotify and find albums on flute or piano acoustics.

GG:
Tell us about an artist who inspires you.

NP:
I have always loved the work of Yinka Shonibare. One of the things that I find the
most interesting about his work is the way his choice of materials tells a story.
The use of waxed batik cloth ties into the colonial past between the West and
Africa. This colonial history is something that find fascinating as its effects are
still being felt all over the world to this day.

GG:
Are you excited to come to Hong Kong?

NP:
I cant wait to come to Hong Kong. The chance to exhibit my work to people from
so many different cultures and being in a different culture altogether is an
incredibly exciting opportunity. To introduce my work to a brand new country of
people and see how they react to my work is really exciting, I truly cant wait.
Ive heard so much about Hong Kong and I cant wait to meet everyone and
explore the city.

GG:
Name one of your biggest aims that youre aiming to achieve in your artist
career.

NP:
I would like to exhibit my work globally and see if issues that are of importance
to me can resonate with people from all around the world and at the same time,
provide us with a common connection.