‘The Kingdom of Retribution’ – Adeela Suleman’s art exhibition explores judgment and redemption

KARACHI: Adeela Suleman’s recent exhibition, “The Kingdom of Retribution,” held at the Canvas Art Gallery, offers a profound exploration of judgment, redemption, and the complexities of the human condition. Drawing inspiration from Michelangelo’s iconic “The Last Judgement” in the Sistine Chapel, Suleman breathes new life into these timeless themes through her intricate wood carvings.

Each piece in the exhibition invites viewers to confront profound moral and ethical dilemmas that transcend time and place. The depiction of tormented souls surrounded by demons poignantly illustrates humanity’s perpetual struggle between light and darkness. Angels blowing trumpets symbolize the awakening of the soul, serving as a clarion call for heightened awareness about retribution and the enduring consequences of our actions. Furthermore, the portrayal of angels presenting the Book of Deeds encourages introspection on self-accountability, urging a reexamination of our moral choices and their lasting impact on both our inner psyche and the broader global ethos.

Complementing the visual narrative, the exhibition features ‘Sada e Mehshar: Raag Marwa’ in D Flat 9, a musical composition crafted specifically for this showcase by Arshad Mahmud and Ustad Nafees Ahmed. This piece masterfully fuses Northern Hindustani classical music with Western classical elements, creating a rich tapestry of sound that resonates deeply with the themes of the exhibition. The composition employs traditional instruments such as dual sitars, surbahar, tanpuras, and intricate percussions like tabla and pakhawaj, interwoven with Western instruments like the church organ, oboe, French horn, trumpet, and orchestral strings. This harmonious blend encapsulates the depth of melancholic complexity inherent in human emotion, enhancing the overall experience of the exhibition.

‘The Kingdom of Retribution’ offers visitors a contemplative space to reflect on the enduring impact of our choices and the intricate dilemmas woven into our daily lives. It serves as a poignant reminder of the delicate balance between existence and the potential erosion of our moral ethos, urging a reevaluation of our actions to foster a more just and aware society.