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Matthew says that the visual arts can play a role in changing perspectives and expanding one’s knowledge of history. Annu Palakunnathu Matthew discovered the story of the 2.5 million Indians who fought in World War II (WWII) while researching the Partition of British India. “It’s a complicated history,” says the University of Rhode Island photography professor. “As a result, these soldiers are not recognized in South Asia or globally.” Matthew notes, that even as the war raged, India was fighting for independence from the British Empire. By siding with the Allied powers, the Indian soldiers were seen by some as supporting British colonialism. For Matthew, her artwork asks if these soldiers’ personal contributions can be acknowledged. And that sense of injustice drives much of her art. “Few wanted to recognize the efforts of these Indian soldiers, but on the other hand, what would have happened if they hadn’t fought?” Matthew asks. “They were critical to the Allies success of WWII. Through my work, I’m asking whether they can be remembered, both in South Asia and globally, without negating the other historical players.” Her research led to a commission from the Kochi-Muziris Biennale, the largest art exhibition in Asia. The installation and other works with the same theme were recently on display in Rhode Island’s Newport Art Museum.

ANNU PALAKUNNATHU MATTHEW Professor Photography

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