This mixed-media collage is inspired by a brief letter written in Urdu by an Indian Prisoner of War, Jemadar Muhammad Khan (Punjabi Muslim) to his compatriot, Jemadar-Adjutant Abdulla Khan (129th Baluchis, France, 33). The letter dated 17^th August 1915, was sent from Germany to France during the First World War. This letter along with other letters, is part of the book, ‘Indian Voices of the Great War: Soldiers’ Letters, 1914-18’ by David Omissi. The letter throws light on the hopes of the Prisoners of War, who like to receive and exchange regular letters with their compatriots. The letter reads, “A letter came from you once before, which I answered. So now I am writing to you a second time. I am now all well by the Grace of God. I am a German prisoner. I hope you will send me an answer quickly on receipt of this, though I know that you have not much leisure”.

Jemadar Muhammad Khan (Punjabi Muslim) to Jemadar-Adjutant Abdulla Khan (129th Baluchis, France, 33) [Urdu] 17^th August 1915, was developed during Baptist Coelho’s year-long Artist-in-Residence, supported by and at Fondation Fiminco, Romainville, 2021-22. The residency was also supported by Fonds de Dotation Buchet Ponsoye, Paris; Institut Français, India. The artwork was first exhibited as part of the group exhibition at Fondation Fiminco, Romainville, from 2 June to 3 July 2022. The exhibition was curated by Yomna Osman.