Between Two Fires (Adeela Suleman, 2021)

The Composition and Materiality of the Work

The artwork, titled Between Two Fires, is a detailed painting executed on a found vintage ceramic plate. The surface is treated with enamel paint and lacquer, creating a smooth, reflective finish. Measuring 35.5 x 49cm, the piece utilizes the circular and curved boundaries of the ceramic vessel to contain a complex scene. The imagery depicts at least thirteen human figures and three horses positioned across the field. Some figures are shown holding swords, while others engage in various activities. The color palette is composed of distinct, saturated hues that define the characters and their surroundings against a white background. The composition is dense, with each element rendered with precise detail, from the anatomy of the horses to the specific postures of the people.

The technique draws upon the traditions of South Asian miniature painting. This method is applied to the domestic object, merging the fine, meticulous brushwork of historical courtly art with the physical reality of a functional, everyday item. The use of enamel and lacquer provides a hard, glossy texture that contrasts with the historical subject matter depicted on the surface.

Historical Context and Symbolic Themes

The imagery in Between Two Fires is informed by a range of historical events and artistic traditions. These include the visual languages of the Mughal courts and the depictions of European medieval knights. By placing these disparate historical motifs onto a single ceramic plate, the work addresses the presence of violence across different geographies and eras. The scenes depicted involve bloodied encounters and violent scenarios, presented through the lens of traditional miniature painting.

The choice of a found ceramic plate as a substrate introduces a layer of meaning regarding the domestic sphere. The object is a common household item, yet it carries a depiction of conflict. This juxtaposition explores the intersection of the private, everyday environment and the public, often violent, realities of history. The work examines how humanity maintains a fascination with violence, even when it is contained within the familiar settings of domestic life.