ARTISTS TO KNOW: JASDEEP KANG
JASDEEP KANG
Jasdeep Kang (she/they) is an NYC-based filmmaker, photographer, editor, DJ, and musician from California. Grounding their art in fantasy, joy, care, integrity, and community, Jasdeep’s work draws attention to how we can interact with one another in a more present and loving way.
Photo Credit: Sonia Prabhu
SHEER: Tell us a little bit about yourself.
JASDEEP KANG: My name is Jasdeep, I also go by Jakari Wing for my musical projects. I was born and raised in Nisenan land, Yuba City, CA and currently live in Lenape Land, or New York. I freelance as a filmmaker, editor and photographer, DJ, make music and write. The camera and music were both introduced to me as tools at a young age. I now use film and music to accompany me in my day to day documentations, and also as tools for fantasy, reflection and care.
SHEER: How do you believe your cultural upbringing led you on your creative path?
JK: I like to say that my cultural upbringing involves two major points. One from childhood in Yuba City, and one from adulthood amongst LGBTQIA+ New Yorkers. Seeing queer folks embrace their identity with so much love and self respect in NY, reminds me of the way I witnessed aunties adorn bright colored traditional suits in predominantly white spaces, or simply my dad in his turban.
My parents have always been involved in providing for their community and archiving the work they participate in. I think they feel the threat of losing our culture and in response organize several initiatives for celebration and documentation. I’m lucky to have witnessed many celebrations when I was younger, and am so pleased to bring some of these traditions that resonate with me into my community in NY.
SHEER: What are some common themes you gravitate towards in your art and what do you believe influences them?
JK: Through mediums like film, music, photo and literature, I am able to explore my values which are grounded in fantasy, joy, care, integrity, and community. Committing to my creativity is a healthy way for me to take care of my mind, ground my dreams and experience something enjoyable for me to look back on. I hope to use the ways I have witnessed care to bring attention to topics and feelings that address how we as a society function as one, and how our differences are access points to connection, compassion and understanding. I honestly have an overactive mind, being creative is the best way for me to flow throughout my day.
“Seeing queer folks embrace their identity with so much love and self respect in NY, reminds me of the way I witnessed aunties adorn bright colored traditional suits in predominantly white spaces, or simply my dad in his turban. ”
SHEER: How do you decide which projects you choose to be a part of?
JK: When deciding what projects to be a part of I try and make sure the project matches my values and my capacity along with having flexibility for change. I love collaborating with folks who share similar values and joy with me. Otherwise if I’m working on a project independently I like to treat the project as an opportunity to lean into an emotion or the present. Adrienne Mare Brown says in their book Emergent Strategy that “there is a conversation in the room that only these people at this moment can have. Find it.” I could not agree more and usually try to lean into finding the conversation and listening when I am creating.
“Committing to my creativity is a healthy way for me to take care of my mind, ground my dreams and experience something enjoyable for me to look back on. I hope to use the ways I have witnessed care to bring attention to topics and feelings that address how we as a society function as one, and how our differences are access points to connection, compassion and understanding.”
SHEER: What are some systemic barriers you've faced on your career journey and how have you navigated that?
JK: Big sigh, it can be very difficult to navigate systemic barriers. Usually I will try and ground myself in my own truth through asking myself questions like, “who am I doing this for? “ “has my boundary been crossed?”, “what is a simple way I can self soothe?”. I’ve had to dial back many times to make sure that my creative integrity is still in tact. It can be really hard to know when I’m overextending, doubting and undervaluing myself. The result is usually exhaustion and burnout. I believe that there is so much power in creating an intention, and deciding how I want to feel. Using intentional questions as a bridge to regain self respect is how I cope.
SHEER: What helps you stay grounded in your creative practice?
JK: In order to stay grounded in my creative practice I make sure that I’m in a balanced flow state. I like to spend time in nature, listen to music, stretch my body, eat nourished meals, play and digest the art around me. Journaling and free drawing is also a beautiful tool that I often use to ground myself and imagine what’s next for me.
SHEER: What lasting impact do you hope your art will have on people?
JK: I hope that my artwork inspires people to create from a place of love, a place of presence.
Photography by Nabila Wirakusumah
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