Merging Bollywood And Hip Hop To Create Stunning Posters, Meet Jasmin Sehra

Ever thought of Drake in a Bollywood-esque avatar? Or Missy Elliott busting a move or two with a resplendent maang tilak adorning her head, while she sings about milkshakes (read: lassi)? Now, before the cultural appropriation army attacks, take a minute to look at how Jasmin Sehra interprets this vision (albeit in her own way) with the ‘Bolly-Hood’ series. Bold graphics and typography synonymous with all iconic Bollywood film posters merge with hip hop paintings — fusing two cultures through art.

Based in London, this visual artist and designer was raised in an environment that encouraged creativity in all its forms — right from mehfils in the front room with classical Indian musicians to sketches and collages being made by them. Following this, she went on to study the arts in both, school and university. Today, Jasmin’s work is even up on MTV’s London headquarter’s walls! Our favourite series still remains Bolly-Hood, which thankfully is an ongoing series. “It was only during university when I started exploring and reconnecting with my roots. My parents’ photographs inspired me immensely through their fashion style during the late 80s, especially my Mum, whose fusion style had me in awe!” she explains, when asked what inspired the series.

When she came across their vintage cassette collection while digging for more, she knew this was only the beginning of her journey towards finding more about her roots, as well as embracing both cultures whilst doing so. The response towards this has been nothing short of overwhelming, which is great considering there are pieces that express self love, femininity, community strength as well as issues including African American slavery and refugees.

While she continues working on new Bolly-Hood pieces, she is also working on her clothing brand Paradise Girl which is all about growth, victory and beauty, that connects a lot with her through the years.

You can follow Jasmin to see more of her work on her Instagram and website. For more updates on her, follow her on Twitter or her blog. To purchase some of her artwork, here’s the link to her shop online.

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