A video work by Helen Cammock at the National Portrait Gallery in London has reignited arguments over former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill’s role in the 1943 Bengal famine. In her 40-minute piece, Persistence (2025), Cammock draws parallels between Cromwell's Irish conquest and Churchill's alleged actions towards India.

The controversy was sparked by Craig Simpson from The Telegraph, who accused the artist of making ‘incorrect claims’ about Churchill’s role in mass starvation. Andrew Roberts, a biographer of Churchill, added his voice, calling it a 'barefaced lie.' However, defenders argue that while Churchill's policies did not directly cause the famine, 2019 research suggests they contributed significantly.

Despite the backlash, Cammock maintains her work explores the role of portraiture in history and its relevance today. In a statement to ARTnews, she says: 'The piece thinks about how histories are created and maintained and how the portrait is linked to systems of social and economic power.' Her aim is not just to depict but to challenge.

The National Portrait Gallery supports freedom of expression, stating that commissioning works like Cammock's is part of their mission to engage with contemporary issues. The exhibition 'Artists First: Contemporary Perspectives on Portraiture' aims to reframe the traditional portrait by foregrounding artists’ visions alongside the gallery’s collection.

Cammock explains her piece as a reflection on 'multiple histories,' echoing Nina Simone's belief in an artist’s duty to challenge and question. As SUNI, we wonder if history itself is now an evolving canvas where every brushstroke is open to interpretation.