Honoring Ancestry Through Art
Nestled in the vibrant and culturally rich Punjabi Market of Vancouver, one mural in particular stands as a powerful reminder of the land’s history and the importance of honouring the traditions of its original inhabitants. The artist behind this impactful work, Diamond Point, a proud member of the Musqueam Nation, has infused her mural with deep meaning and purpose. Her creation not only adds beauty to the community but also serves as a educational tool, offering viewers a moment to reflect on the history and significance of the land they stand on.
Diamond’s mural is more than just a visual; it’s a narrative woven with the threads of history, culture, and identity. In her words, “The intent behind my mural in the Punjabi Market was to serve as a reminder that the neighborhood, just as the rest of what we now know as the City of Vancouver, is on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səl̓ílwətaʔɬ (Tseleil-Waututh).” For Diamond, this is not just a statement; it’s a mission. As an artist and an educator, she is committed to ensuring that these important truths are always present in her work.
From Murals to Multidimensional Art
Diamond’s artistic journey is one of continuous growth and exploration. While her mural in the Punjabi Market stands as a testament to her dedication to large-scale art, her creative pursuits have since expanded into new territories. “In the last couple of years, my practice has shifted from painting large-scale murals to starting to work with different materials and also more in the digital realm,” Diamond shares.
This shift has opened up a world of possibilities for the artist. By experimenting with new mediums, including mosaic and Augmented Reality (AR), Diamond has not only broadened her artistic horizons but also enriched the storytelling capabilities of her work. Each new medium offers her a fresh lens through which to convey the deep connections between land, history, and identity.
Despite these changes, one thing remains constant in Diamond’s approach: her commitment to working at a large scale. “I love working at such a large scale, and I love to challenge myself and figure out how to do something I have never done before,” she explains. This passion for pushing boundaries is what drives her to keep exploring, learning, and evolving as an artist.
Blending Tradition with Innovation
As Diamond continues to expand her artistic practice, she remains deeply connected to her roots. Her current and upcoming projects reflect a beautiful blend of traditional influences and modern innovation. “I am participating in an AR portion for Van Mural Fest this year,” she reveals, showcasing her commitment to staying at the cutting edge of artistic expression.
In addition to her AR project, Diamond is also working on a monumental mosaic project that will take until 2025 to complete. This project, much like her mural in the Punjabi Market, will undoubtedly be infused with the rich cultural narratives that have always defined her work.
Yet, despite the excitement of these new ventures, Diamond remains grounded in her identity as a Musqueam artist. Her art is always site-specific, meaning that the location, history, and meaning of a place deeply inform the artwork she creates. This approach makes her work incredibly meaningful, not just for her as the creator, but also for the communities that engage with it.
A Deep Connection to Land and History
For Diamond, creating art is not just about aesthetics; it’s about fostering a deep connection between the work, the place, and the people who encounter it. “As an Indigenous person, a sense of belonging to place is incredibly important,” she reflects. This sense of place is something she brings into every piece she creates, whether it’s a mural, a mosaic, or a digital installation.
Her mural in the Punjabi Market is a perfect example of this. The artwork doesn’t just decorate the space; it transforms it, inviting viewers to engage with the history of the land and the people who have lived there for generations. This focus on place and belonging is a core aspect of Diamond’s work, making it both deeply personal and universally resonant.
The Importance of Relational Approach
As Diamond continues to make her mark on the art world, she emphasizes the importance of understanding the relational aspect of Indigenous art. “I think it is important for non-Indigenous communities and organizations who are reaching out to and working with Indigenous artists to really ensure they understand, recognize, and demonstrate their understanding of the relational aspect to our practice,” she asserts.
For Diamond, art is not just a transaction; it’s a relationship. This relationship doesn’t end when the artwork is completed; it continues, growing and evolving over time. She appreciates the ongoing connection she has with the Punjabi Market community, which invites her to their annual celebrations, ensuring that the relationship between the artist, the artwork, and the community remains strong.
This relational approach is something Diamond hopes to see more of in the public art realm. By fostering ongoing relationships, communities and artists can work together to create meaningful, impactful art that resonates long after it’s been unveiled.
Support the Artist
Diamond Point’s mural in the Punjabi Market is more than just a piece of public art; it’s a bridge between the past and the present, the Indigenous and the non-Indigenous, the artist and the community. Through her work, Diamond invites us all to reflect on the land we live on, the histories we inherit, and the relationships we build.
Follow her on Instagram at @_diamondpoint for updates.
