Jasmine Sehra is an urban artist (the arty kind!) and illustrator based in London, UK… exuding the GREAT of Great Britain when it comes to showcasing unique art expression with a truly globally relevant theme.
Inspired overtly by Hip Hop culture, and with a particular affinity for what is often referred to as ‘the old skool’ kind… icons such as Tupac Shakur, Notorious ‘Christopher Wallace’ B.I.G, and as showcased in her latest series; the mighty gangsta rap squad: N.W.A.
Jasmin Sehra
Jasmin is a highly detailed graphite pencil drawer, painter as well as a self-taught photographer and she has created an incredible portfolio of highly vibrant, and intricately created visuals that will surely inspire others, and make the viewing eye appreciate the detail and overall vibe she captures beautifully.
Jasmin Sehra
This series of work shows each individual member of N.W.A… Ice Cube, Easy E, DJ Yella, MC Ren and Dr Dre who are depicted as if they are almost jumping out from the canvas and looking over the once gritty, chaotic neighbourhoods they likely each left behind following success a few decades ago. The group are currently enjoying the ride of revival for their back catalogue of gangsta rap with the box office success of the big screen film biopic titled after one of their biggest hits: ‘Straight Outta Compton’.
Jasmin Sehra
We caught up with Jasmin about her own great catalogue of Hip Hop inspired Art and she told us:
“Hip Hop has always been something I’ve appreciated, and it’s only over the last five years or so where Hip-Hop has influenced me and my work. One of my art projects in school was actually based on Kanye West’s music video “Welcome to Heartbreak”, that video had me in awe for a long time. But it was in university where I really found my niche, combining pattern, portraiture and music allowing me to create the pieces I do now.”
Jasmin Sehra
When asked about where she feels is the source of her love for creativity she told us:
“Creativity is something which I’ve been exposed to throughout my whole life from a young age as I come from a family of creatives, mostly musical. I think I’ve grasped the music concept and gone down an alternative route of expression with it; through visuals using sound as the primary visual tool.”
So what did she think of the current N.W.A biopic film… especially coming from someone who would have discovered their musical impact a little later than it actually took place:
“The movie was brilliant and the acting cast did an amazing job! I was really impressed actually as it takes you on the journey the group members of N.W.A went through… which all led Dre towards his billion dollar deal with Apple in current times and Ice Cube towards his Hollywood success in present day. I’m sure they’re all enjoying the interest from a whole new generation who are showing the respect due for their impact on global music culture as a whole.”
Jasmin Sehra
The future is certainly looking bright for Jasmin and we hope she continues getting commissioned for big projects in the future… already having worked with the likes of MTV, local councils and schools.
So what is the dream for Jasmin:
“I’m just going with the flow, constantly creating and finding new and different ways to portray who I am as an artist. I’m still learning and discovering on my creative path. Within the future, I’d like to have my own established brand, and travel to the places that inspire me whilst working with people and artists worldwide.”
There’s certainly something very beautiful about new generations of creatives admiring, apreciating and paying homage to the expressions and evolution of the art of yesteryear. And we are sure that one day, kids could well be looking at Jasmin’s catalogue of art work and doing the same.
Jasmin Sehra
More about Jasmin via: www.jasminsehra.com
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Special mention to A’rfa Butt at MTV.
