BBC Birmingham

Producer and DJ, G.U.V

Jaskirt is a freelance photographer and journalist who specialises in telling stories through her pictures. Her latest exhibition features artists who go against the stereotypes of what it means to be British, Asian and a musician.

This exhibition is a celebration of the achievements that British Asians have made within the music industry. It also identifies those that are trying to break through the barriers and make it in the world of music. Jaskirt says that the artists have an extremely important place in today's society,

Singer, songwriter and pianist, Neeta

"Culturally musicians like Jay Sean, M.I.A, H Dhami and Kapil Travedi (from Mystery Jets) represent, reflect and connect with today’s second and third generation British Asians. Music can connect people to their roots and identity, whether it be through artists like Tru Skool who bring back old Panjabi folk music or 'Nuphlo’s' Dubstep and Drum and Bass."

Inspiration

All of the artists who feature in 'British Asian Musicians' were photographed in a place that they felt was important to them. Jaskirt explains:

Musician Niraj Chag

"These places are where they have drawn some of their musical inspiration from, whether this it is Soho Road in Birmingham, The Tate Modern gallery, school parks or garden sheds."

Future prospects

Jaskirt is hoping to convert her visual exhibition into a book in years to come. She says:

Singer and Songwriter H-Dhami

"Eventually I want to make this body of work into a book which will sit in libraries and be remembered in a hundred years time. I want people to be able to use it as a source of information about British Asian artists who made their stamp in music."

Jaskirt's previous exhibitions

Jaskirt has exhibited her work at the NEC, UN Headquarters in New York and AOP's London gallery.

In 2007 Jaskirt produced an award winning piece of work which looked at the identity of female footballers. For more information about this project take a look at the following website:

The British Asian Musicians exhibition will be showcased at the Drum Arts Centre in Birmingham from Wednesday 8th July 2009 and will run through until Friday 28th August. For more details click see the following website:

To view all of Jaskirts work visit the following website: