ISF2021 Feature Artist: Jag Nagra

Jag describes herself as a Sandwich Artist™ turned Artist Artist. After having studied Graphic Design at the Art Institute of Vancouver, Jag went on to pursue Illustration. She has created assets for clients such as the Vancouver Canucks and Microsoft and her artwork has been featured in Vogue Magazine, Teen Vogue, The Dieline and Buzzfeed. She is currently serving as the Creative Director of the Punjabi Market Regeneration Collective. Jag is passionate about community development and ending the stigma against LGBTQ+ people within the South Asian community. Jag created a special artwork in response to the festival’s theme: Shapeshifting. The piece is called ‘Shapeshifter, and this is what Jag has to say about the concept behind it.

“What does it mean to be a shapeshifter? To morph oneself into any given persona that serves to benefit a unique purpose.  Taking visual cues from and playing homage to Hindu mythology, I’ve created a part tiger, part falcon, part horse, part peacock creature. One that can tap into its strengths—both physical, and aesthetic.

I believe each of us have the ability within us to shapeshift. Perhaps not physically, but emotionally, we learn how to adapt to our surroundings. We learn which of our personalities to bring to the forefront and when to unleash our innermost strengths. This mystical creature acts as a visual reminder that as we weave in and out of our multi-faceted identities, we are strong and resilient and we have the ability to be our best selves—whoever that is at any given moment in time.

Being the 2021 ISF Feature Artist is such an honour. I remember the first time I came across Indian Summer Festival years ago and seeing that year’s artwork on display, I knew that this was something I one day wanted to be a part of. I’ve spent many years developing my art practice to find my voice, and it’s wonderful to see that the stars lined up in just a way that I find myself here all these years later as the feature artist. Working with such a great organization has already taught me so much. Seeing how the ISF team works to put on a robust festival year after year, even through a pandemic, is inspiring.  I’m looking forward to seeing what the summer has in store.”

After having studied Graphic Design at the Art Institute of Vancouver, Jag went on to pursue Illustration. She has created assets for clients such as Microsoft and her artwork has been featured in Vogue Magazine, Teen Vogue, The Dieline and Buzzfeed. She is currently serving as the Creative Director of the Punjabi Market Regeneration Collective.