Reflecting on a friendship that spans almost four decades is no small feat, but Ranjit Hoskote, art critic, cultural theorist, and poet, accomplishes this with his signature grace in his new book, *To Break and To Branch: Six Essays on Gieve Patel*. Published by Seagull Books, the collection commemorates Hoskote’s enduring and profound engagement with the extensive artistic work of Gieve Patel, a multifaceted figure known for his contributions as a painter, sculptor, translator, poet, teacher, playwright, and practicing physician. Patel passed away last November at the age of 83, leaving behind a rich legacy that Hoskote captures through fond memories and thoughtful analysis.
The friendship between Hoskote and Patel began when Hoskote was in his late teens. Introduced by Nissim Ezekiel at the PEN All-India Centre office in Mumbai’s Theosophy Hall, a hub for vibrant meetings and deep conversations, Hoskote felt an immediate connection with Patel. Having already been familiar with some of Patel’s poetry, including the widely studied *On Killing a Tree*, Hoskote found Patel’s warm and engaging personality highly congenial.
Hoskote admits that he initially resisted Patel’s advice during their early acquaintance. At the time, Hoskote was wrestling with grand themes such as mythology, epic narratives, and history, crafting what he describes as a “baroque” style of poetry. However, as he matured, the big themes began to find more meaningful resonance in the minutiae of everyday life. The wisdom embedded in Patel’s guidance gained significant importance for Hoskote, deeply influencing his poetic development.
One of Patel’s notable works, *Embrace* (2016), reflects his acceptance of spiritual experiences and a gradual reconciling of scepticism with wonderment. Patel saw the limitations of valuing rationality above all else and found new ways to balance scepticism with joy, intertwining human connections with the cosmos.
Despite their different backgrounds, thinkers like Lal Ded and Akho resonated with Patel because they eschewed organized religion and its outward piety, striving to free the soul from restrictive rituals.
. They expanded the emotional range available to spiritual seekers, a path that Patel found inspirational.
Patel’s painting *Off Lamington Road* exemplifies his unique blend of the everyday and the surreal—a synthesis that colored much of his work and gave it a distinctive character. The painting can be seen literally as a view from his clinic on Lamington Road near Mumbai Central station. Yet, it features fantastical elements like a giant upside-down parrot and a riderless horse emerging mysteriously from behind a wall, each evoking deeper symbolic meanings. These elements create a visionary homage to the multi-part frescoes of Ambrogio Lorenzetti, underscoring Patel’s ability to meld local landscapes with broader artistic traditions.
Hoskote and his wife, Nancy Adajania, a cultural theorist and curator, shared close personal and professional ties with Patel and his family. Their long-standing association spanned cultural events and collaborative arts projects. Patel’s connection with Nancy extended beyond Hoskote through their shared experiences within the rural Parsi communities of Gujarat, granting them a privileged yet reformative perspective on rural and tribal subaltern classes.
Patel’s sensitivity to these societal strata inspired compelling works such as the play *Mister Behram*, which features a Warli boy adopted by a Parsi lawyer, and various paintings featuring the tribal prince Eklavya, addressing themes of injustice. Nancy’s commitment to artists from rural and tribal backgrounds finds echoes in Patel’s dedication, positioning them as vital contributors to contemporary culture.
To commemorate Gieve Patel’s profound impact on multiple art forms and his deep-rooted influence on his contemporaries and future generations, Hoskote has crafted a touching and insightful tribute in *To Break and To Branch*. This compilation not only epitomizes Patel’s multifaceted legacy but also offers a heartfelt reminder of the enduring power of artistic and human connections.
The interviewer resides in Mumbai and writes on topics including literature, art, gender, films, education, and peace initiatives, continuing to explore the dynamic and rich cultural landscape that artists like Gieve Patel have enriched over the decades.
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