A Pitt Meadows artist will have her work wrapped around a TransLink bus in celebration of Vaisakhi.
Jag Nagra gained international attention after designing the Vancouver Canucks warm-up jerseys in honour of Diwali in 2021. She also created a life-size Nutcracker inspired by her Indian background, and she was behind a colourful “Love is Love” staircase in Surrey in celebration of Pride Month in 2022.
Earlier this year, she produced artworks for permanent street signs at Canada Place commemorating the Komagata Maru tragedy of 1914.
TransLink first approached her at the end of January, explained Nagra, and within a couple of days she had her first draft ready for designers at transit company to look at.
The design is based on a rumala, which is a fabric covering of the holy book or scripture in a Sikh temple, or gurdwara, to keep it protected or clean. The fabric, explained Nagra, is beautifully embroidered with floral patterns and bright colours. Often in honour of a couple getting married, or a couple who have just had a baby, the family will donate a rumala to the temple as an offering, she said.
The colours, orange and blue, are synonymous with Sikhism, so Nagra wanted to make sure those colours were also prominent on the piece.
Nagra said having her artwork on a public bus has always been one of her dreams.
“My wife is a bus driver with Coast Mountain Bus Company,” she explained, noting they have been together for 12 years.
“I just always imagined how cool it would be to have a bus with my artwork that she’s driving,” said the local artist, adding that her wife was able to drive the bus at the Vaisakhi Nagar Kirtans in Vancouver on Saturday, April 13.
“It just feels like a very family, collaboration, in a way,” added Nagra.
READ MORE: Canucks wear jerseys designed by Pitt Meadows artist for Diwali
Nagra enjoys creating pieces which are a contemporary take on tradition or culture, something she feels her audience is drawn to, in addition to her recognizable style.
“I’m happy to hear that it resonates with people,” she said.
Nagra hopes that when members of the Sikh community or South Asian community see her piece on the bus, they feel more of a sense of belonging and that their stories matter when it comes to the communities where they live.
Overall, though, she wants everyone to feel the joy of seeing a bright, beautiful bus coming down the street.
“For me it’s the coming together of community that’s behind the artwork and behind this bus and celebrating Vaisakhi. I just hope people feel a sense of belonging and joy,” she said.
The bus will travel around the region to mark Vaisakhi festivities. In addition to the Vaisakhi Nagar Kirtans parade in Vancouver on Saturday, April 13, it will also be at the parade in Surrey on Saturday, April 20.
RELATED: Artist’s ‘Love is Love’ stairs bring colourful message to Guildford Town Centre during Pride Month
“We’re so happy to celebrate our region’s diversity during one of the most joyous times of the year for the Sikh community,” said TransLink CEO Kevin Quinn, noting TransLink employees will be attending both parades to celebrate Vaisakhi and Sikh culture.
“As thousands get set to gather with friends and family during this annual event, we remain committed to providing safe and reliable transportation for everyone,” said Quinn.
On Monday, April 22, Nagra will also be speaking at the Vancouver Historical Foundation’s Pro-D Day for educators presentation called South Asian Stories: A Day in Historic Punjabi Market.
Anyone heading to Vancouver or Surrey for either parade can check TransLink Alerts and Advisories for transit rerouting details and times, and plan their journey on TransLink’s Trip Planner.