Inspired by my culture and lived experience, my lanterns reflect the South Asian community’s determination to withstand racism, societal pressure, and institutional barriers while continuing to move forward with resilience and dignity. This diptych responds to LunarFest’s theme “Brave the Wind” by exploring what it means to confront turbulence head-on, individually and collectively.
In the first piece of this diptych, a winged horse rises against storm clouds and treacherous waves, its wings spread wide and front legs lifted in defiance. Arrows shoot by which act as symbols of hostility and exclusion, as the horse evades them with strength and agility. Above it, an eye releasing lightning captures the weight of prejudice and scrutiny directed toward South Asians. In recent years, anti-South Asian rhetoric has grown louder across the country, placing communities—particularly international students—in harm’s way and under increasing judgment. This artwork is meant to represent the strength to continue pushing forward and carving out a space for belonging.
Forward (2)
The second piece offers a counterpoint. A repeating pattern of horses forms a phulkari-inspired composition, referencing traditional Punjabi embroidery patterns. The placement of the horses transforms individual strength into collective resilience, emphasizing the power of coming together rather than fragmenting under external forces.
For me, Lunar New Year is a powerful reminder that in a city like Vancouver, there is space for all cultures and traditions to be honoured. We are a society made stronger by its diversity, and embracing the richness of different cultures and celebrations allows us to build connections and a shared sense of belonging.
Jag Nagra is a queer Punjabi visual artist who uses her art to uplift community by weaving stories of belonging and cultural pride. Through depictions of darker skin tones, Indian textiles and motifs, her work celebrates confidence, resilience, and strength.
Her artworks are part of the Museum of Vancouver’s permanent collection, and she was featured in the internationally acclaimed LGBTQ+ documentary Emergence: Out of the Shadows. Jag is also co-founder of the Punjabi Market Collective, a non-profit revitalizing Vancouver’s historic Punjabi Market. Jag’s art practice focuses on bringing art to the public realm through large scale murals, street pole banners, and installations. Recently, she created permanent street signs for Guru Nanak Jahaz (Komagata Maru) Place and has collaborated with the Vancouver Canucks on art for their Vaisakhi celebration and Diwali jerseys.
Through art, she continues to find her voice and a deeper connection to culture and identity.
Forward (1)
Inspired by my culture and lived experience, my lanterns reflect the South Asian community’s determination to withstand racism, societal pressure, and institutional barriers while continuing to move forward with resilience and dignity. This diptych responds to LunarFest’s theme “Brave the Wind” by exploring what it means to confront turbulence head-on, individually and collectively.
In the first piece of this diptych, a winged horse rises against storm clouds and treacherous waves, its wings spread wide and front legs lifted in defiance. Arrows shoot by which act as symbols of hostility and exclusion, as the horse evades them with strength and agility. Above it, an eye releasing lightning captures the weight of prejudice and scrutiny directed toward South Asians. In recent years, anti-South Asian rhetoric has grown louder across the country, placing communities—particularly international students—in harm’s way and under increasing judgment. This artwork is meant to represent the strength to continue pushing forward and carving out a space for belonging.
Forward (2)
The second piece offers a counterpoint. A repeating pattern of horses forms a phulkari-inspired composition, referencing traditional Punjabi embroidery patterns. The placement of the horses transforms individual strength into collective resilience, emphasizing the power of coming together rather than fragmenting under external forces.
For me, Lunar New Year is a powerful reminder that in a city like Vancouver, there is space for all cultures and traditions to be honoured. We are a society made stronger by its diversity, and embracing the richness of different cultures and celebrations allows us to build connections and a shared sense of belonging.
Jag Nagra is a queer Punjabi visual artist who uses her art to uplift community by weaving stories of belonging and cultural pride. Through depictions of darker skin tones, Indian textiles and motifs, her work celebrates confidence, resilience, and strength.
Her artworks are part of the Museum of Vancouver’s permanent collection, and she was featured in the internationally acclaimed LGBTQ+ documentary Emergence: Out of the Shadows. Jag is also co-founder of the Punjabi Market Collective, a non-profit revitalizing Vancouver’s historic Punjabi Market. Jag’s art practice focuses on bringing art to the public realm through large scale murals, street pole banners, and installations. Recently, she created permanent street signs for Guru Nanak Jahaz (Komagata Maru) Place and has collaborated with the Vancouver Canucks on art for their Vaisakhi celebration and Diwali jerseys.
Through art, she continues to find her voice and a deeper connection to culture and identity.
The Lantern City is grateful to be held on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territories of the Coast Salish peoples of the xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam Indian Band), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish Nation), and Səl̓ílwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation). We acknowledge our privilege to be gathered on this land, and commit to work with and be respectful to the Indigenous peoples whose arts and stories inspire us to bring communities together.
