About the Artist: Anuradha Patel
Anuradha Patel is an Indian born Public Artist and a Sculptor. She has established her reputation with major projects in the UK, some examples of which include The ‘A13 Artscape’ a major refurbishment scheme for Charlton Crescent Subway, in London, the ‘Peace Garden’ in Birmingham and recently ‘The Memorial Trees’, Grand Station Birmingham, a commemorative sculpture for the Irish pub bombing in Birmingham.
In recent years Anuradha has worked on several site specific public art commissions in Australia which take the form of sculpture as well as functional design.
Some notable selected commissions include the ‘Whirlpool’, The Warmies, Newport, Hobsons Bay, ‘The Art Pass Reimagined’ a mural project in Chelsea, ‘The Gates of Earthly Delights’ Williamstown Botanic Gardens, and ‘Connected Stories’ a Textile hanging, Melton Library, Melbourne.
Anuradha is represented in various collections and publications including recently published ‘50 Women Sculptors’ Aurora Metro & Supernova Book
Uganda 50
In 1972, President Idi Amin ordered the forced expulsion of Uganda’s Asian Communities, giving them 90 days to leave the country. Some 60,000 Asian were displaced by this ruling. Between 1968 and 1978 more than 20,000 Ugandan Asian families settled in Leicester.
In 2022, Leicester City Council announced the commissioning of a commemorative Public Art Work to mark the 50th Anniversary of the extradition and the subsequent settlement of the Asian communities in Leicester.
The winning submission for a new piece of public art commemorating the 50th anniversary of the arrival of Ugandan Asians in Leicester was awarded to the Midlands-based artist Anuradha Patel.
Entitled ‘Sculptural Gateway’, Anuradha Patel describes the two aspects of the Structural Gateway as representing the two communities impacted by the expulsion of Asians from Uganda in 1972. The structure is connected at the top, symbolising the transition of a generation of people from one country to another. It will be constructed using a variety of sharp angled, vertical structures which she says are a reference to pain and upheaval, while the overall softer architectural shape of the structure suggests a place of shelter, sanctuary and refuge.
The new piece of public art will be created and installed at Belgrave Circle, at the gateway to the city’s Golden Mile – as part of a wideranging
programme of “Uganda 50” commemorations.
It is intended that the artist will work with the local community to further develop her design over the coming months, giving them an
opportunity to shape the final piece. Anuradha Patel said: “I am delighted to be awarded the Ugandan Asian 50th Anniversary public art commission. It is of great significance to me as an artist and an exceptional opportunity to acknowledge, celebrate, and commemorate an event which has not only shaped my
life, but the lives of a whole generation of people in the UK over the past 50 years.
“As a Ugandan Asian, of Gujarati origins, I feel strongly connected to the Asian communities in Leicester with so many shared experiences of migration, displacement, resettlement and assimilation in a new country. “This commission will provide the platform to address, inform and celebrate the breadth of emotions and achievements of the Ugandan Asian community in Leicester.
Crafting the Uganda 50 Sculpture: A Testament to Our Expertise
The Uganda 50 Sculpture was meticulously crafted in-house at m-tec for long-term collaborator, artist Anu Patel.
Leveraging our advanced laser cutting and rolling capabilities, we successfully created this intricate piece. Despite the challenge posed by its curved and intertwined sections, our team of skilled fabricators, backed by 25 years of experience in complex projects, delivered a remarkable sculpture.
Constructed from mild steel, galvanized, and powder-coated, the final result is vibrant and stunning. We hope you appreciate it as much as we do.
