Jasleen Chand

My project revolved around identity and representation. Specifically alternate representation focusing on an amalgamation of my culture, LGBTQ+ identity, and alternative style.

As someone who grew up as part of the Indian diaspora in Aotearoa, I distanced myself from my culture due to internalized racism that stemmed from facing casual, normalised discrimination throughout my life. Rather than creating just cultural or LBGTQ+ art, I wanted to create my own unique representation that resonated with me. Through primarily watercolour paintings, I tried to fuse aspects of my culture with my LGBTQ+ identity and personal style in various ways.

For this project, I researched the pre-colonial history of homosexuality and gender-nonconformity in India. In modern day India it’s commonly believed that homosexuality is a Western concept, but in reality, it’s the British that made homosexuality a criminal act in India. Prior to the British rule, India’s culture, values and Hindu mythology recognised and accepted LGBTQ+ identities. This context informed my project heavily, as I portrayed queer love and gender-nonconformity through a non-Western lens. Through this project I wanted to show that there is not one single way that an Indian person exists, and to create representation for myself and others like me.