September

The New Arrival 2003 36 x 41.5cm (14.2 x 16.35in) Poster color and gouache on paper Artist: Amrit and Rabindra K.D. Kaur Singh (Collection of Paintings In Hospitals, Scotland)

This painting depicting a happy scene of a Sikh family leaving hospital with their new baby was commissioned by Paintings in Hospitals Scotland - a charity dedicated to placing original art works in hospitals and health care centers around Scotland. The painting joins the charity’s highly regarded loan collection of 1300 art works.

Whilst appealing to and benefiting the wider community in presenting a universal image of optimism that will help to create a cheerful environment and lift the spirits of staff, visitors and patients alike, the painting (in celebrating the South Asian community in Scotland) addresses the specific need for the collection to be more representative of and relevant to Scotland’s ethnic minorities. It is the first work by artists of Asian Sikh origin to be acquired by the charity.

It was formally unveiled at the Indian Consulate, Edinburgh, by The Consul General of India, Mr. Randhawa. After the unveiling Dr. Ulrika Al-Khamis (curator of South Asia and the Middle East collections at the Royal Museums, Edinburgh) presented a brief introduction and tribute to The Singh Twins work, explaining how it always celebrates the merits of pro-active multiculturalism, in which mutual respect, acceptance and engagement make for a better, everyday existence.

The family at the centre of the scene is based on the artists’ sister, her husband and children whilst the doctor and onlookers (apart from the nurse) depict some of the people who sponsored the commissioning of the work. Little details within the painting such as the Lock Ness monster toy and paisley shawl covering the baby symbolize the historical and ongoing interrelationship between Scotland and India.

Whilst in the baby’s carry basket a box of Indian sweets, a posy of traditional Scottish flowers and a tartan blanket signify the promise of a new life enriched by two cultures. Alluding to the well-known English Nursery Rhyme, four magpie birds representing the birth of a boy are placed in the background scenery. The yellow air rescue helicopter symbolizes the wide outreach of the Scottish Hospital Service, which services even the remotest and most geographically hostile areas of Scotland.