December

The Last Supper: Dedicated To Cha-cha Baldave, A Brave And Noble Soul 1994/5 44.7 x 62.2cm (17.6 x 24.5in) Poster color, gouache and gold dust on mount board Artist: Amrit K.D. Kaur Singh

This painting shows the artist’s family enjoying the last big meal of the year - Christmas dinner. It epitomizes the degree to which many Asians in Britain have adopted certain aspects of western culture as their own.

Here we see juxtaposed against a background of exotic exuberance, the celebration of Christmas in its most traditional form: the feast of turkey with all the trimmings, candles, Christingles and crackers, cards and presents, Christmas tree decked in fairy lights, holly, stockings, nuts and tangerines. But for all this, it is nevertheless, an expression of Christmas that has a distinct Asian flavor.

The traditional ‘western’ snowman has been transformed into an Indian prince with a bright orange turban and black beard. Indian sweetmeats share the table with jellies, trifle and Christmas cake and one of the presents is a homemade Indian rag doll in traditional dress.

It also captures memories of the artist’s childhood Christmas experiences - including the classic TV film ‘Jason and the Argonauts’ which “has since become an integral part of the family celebrations.”

However, certain features put the celebration in the context of a specific time and place. Objects, ornaments and furniture indicate the Artist’s family dining room as the setting, whilst the Jurassic Park school bag, plastic dinosaur and princess Jasmine doll (from Walt Disney’s Aladdin) point to particular periods. These symbols of modern history combine with those of the artist’s personal past.

The array of book titles and videotapes on the shelf, the paintings by Matisse and Mucha and the various icons from different world faiths collectively reflect the diverse range of interests and influences that have affected the artist’s personal and educational development. Even the Christmas cards hanging from the door (which are faithful copies of exact ones received by the artist) record memories of past and present acquaintances and friendships.

The artist has captured more than just the likeness’ of the family members present. Postures and actions have been carefully chosen to portray something of each of their personalities and the relationship they have with other members, both at the immediate gathering and within the extended family as a whole.