Artist asks to hear war stories

Baptist Coelho, an artist from India, wants to hear from local residents, ex military or family, relatives and friends of soldiers that are directly or indirectly connected to the First and Second World Wars - and/or current wars and conflicts.

He plans on using the research to form the basis of his artwork for an exhibition at Battersea Park 's Pump House Gallery, which will focus on the life of a soldier - not as a military professional but an individual with emotions and vulnerabilities like anyone else.

The Mumbai-based artist, who has been awarded an artist residency in the UK , wants to use the history of Battersea Park and the borough during WWI and WWII as a starting point for his project.

Mr Coelho has assured contributors that they will remain anonymous and unattributed should they wish.

The exhibition - MAPPING (THOUGHTS) ( London - Wandsworth, 2011-12) - will run at the Pump House from March 15 to May 20.

If you have a story to tell Mr Coelho email the details to baptistcoelhostudio@gmail.com or write to him at Baptist Coelho c/o Pump House Gallery, Battersea Park, London SW11 4NJ.

For more information about what is on at the gallery, visit http://www.pumphousegallery.org.uk/ and sign-up to the email mailing list.

Alternatively call Laura Eldret on 020 8871 7572 or email leldret@wandsworth.gov.uk

ENDS

Notes to Editors

Baptist Coelho has been awarded an artist residency in the UK with Delfina Foundation, and is in London undertaking research.

His residency is in partnership with Creative India Foundation, in Mumbai, and in collaboration with the Pump House Gallery, in Battersea.

The Delfina Foundation is an independent, non-political arts organisation with charitable status. It is not a grant-making foundation.