Project overview
This mural is a visual celebration of the Stockton community and its resilience to not only survive, but thrive. This mural brings visibility to the Stockton Punjabi community which has rarely been depicted in public art.
The mural itself is an amalgamation of inherited art histories. The Eastern influences can be understood through the two figures, the Mughal miniature inspired floral border and the arches that reference ancient Indian architecture. The color palette was made intentionally pastel to curate a space where everyone is welcome. The placid nature of these tones can exude feelings of calmness and serenity as well as symbolize the season of Spring. Pastel tones are associated with various art movements like the Rococo period (early 18th century), but have been an integral part of Indian miniature work as early as the 15th Century.
The colors are inspired by historical pigments that were used in traditional Indian miniature paintings. The teal background references the pigment Malachite, the pink hints at Thulite, and the blue arches are influenced by Lapis Lazuli. The contrast of the pastels with the jewel tones further elevates the aesthetic integration of antiquity with the contemporary.
The figures are shown practicing social distancing and wearing masks. The longing they feel is universally recognized; it is not limited to any one community. Globally we are impacted by COVID-19 on both a micro and macro scale. This mural addresses a tender moment and acknowledges the need to be close to our loved ones, yet having to stay apart to keep them safe. The two figures are contained within arches and divided by a window on the other side of which is a garden, symbolizing the freedom we are all working towards. They provide a link to the outside world and symbolize the freedom we are all working towards.
About the Artist
Painter Sunroop Kaar received a Bachelor in Fine Arts from Emily Carr University, Vancouver, British Columbia. Her work has been exhibited at the Old Brompton Gallery, Kensington, London; the Space: An Art Gallery, Vancouver, British Columbia; and in a virtual exhibition at the Carnegie Arts Centre, Turlock, California. She lives in Turlock, California.
Follow the artist

Explore more projects
Somali Family Service
Displayed at community events, vaccine clinics, and health fairs.
Artfully Wrapped Electric Cars – Various Artists/Lideres Campesinas
Displayed on Lideres Campesinas’ vehicles traveling throughout the Sacramento, CA area.
“COVID-19 Through Our Eyes: Indigenous Perspectives” Art Exhibit –Santiago Savi & Various Artists/Mixteco Indigena Community Organizing Project (MICOP)
Displayed at MICOP office in Oxnard, CA
“Get Vaccinated” Song – Various Artists/Pilipino Workers Center of Southern California
Displayed digitally via PWC social media pages.
“Love in Action” Community Mural – Jennifer Williams – Cordova/All of Us or None
Displayed in Old Town Kern in Bakersfield, CA.
“Happy Day Again” Song & Music Video – Tony Nguyen/California Healthy Nail Salon Collaborative
Displayed on CHNSC social media pages and website.
Watercolor Paintings – Health Education Council
Displayed at Consulate General of Mexico in Sacramento through April 2022.
“Flourishing Out of a Pandemic” Digital Art Piece – Kaylene Moua/Hmong Innovating Politics (HIP)
Displayed digitally via HIP social media pages, website & email, and in regional HIP offices.
Transformative Actions
Elena Lourenco (Lead Artist), Natalia Mendoza, and Isabel Gonzalez
219 E Fourth St. Santa Ana and various Lending Library locations
A Space Between Us
Tamara Cedre
Various locations and A Space Between Us throughout San Bernardino County
¡No Rona!
Raul Baltazar
20-mile route through South and East Los Angeles
Palomares Blvd Art Carrito in El Monte
Francisco Palomares
Various locations throughout El Monte
COMUNIDAD: Juntos Salvamos Vidas
Juntos Salvamos Vidas
Anjelica Muro/Hector Mendoza Anguiano
Various locations throughout Monterey County
San Joaquin Valley Latinx Music and Poetry for Covid-19 Prevention
Juan Felipe Herrera, Leonel Mendoza, and Carmencristina Moreno
Project produced by Alliance for California Traditional Arts
Various locations throughout the Central Valley
El Centro COVID Memorial Mural
Ernesto Yerena Montejano
739 N. Imperial Avenue, El Centro
Safety First & Break Free
Serge Gay Jr.
2390 Market St. San Francisco (intersection of Market and Castro)