This mixed-media collage is inspired by a letter written in Urdu by an Indian soldier, Rajwali Khan (Punjabi Muslim or Pathan) to his compatriot, Ghulam Hussain (59th Rifles, France). The letter dated 4^th September 1915, was sent from England 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 tragic letter, which was eventually withheld by the British authorities, expresses the soldier’s despair at losing his leg and injuring his hand. It also expresses his hopelessness in returning to India with a wooden leg. An extract from the letter reads, “I am taking nothing but a picture back to India. There is nothing left of me. I have lost a hand and a leg. What am I to do?”

Rajwali Khan (Punjabi Muslim or Pathan) to Ghulam Hussain (59th Rifles, France) [Urdu] 4th September 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.