03/11/2026
Adeela Suleman | The Rising Crescendo of the Band Baja
It was the colours that caught my attention first. The richness of the reds, the striking blues and the gold, alongside the intricate details of the textiles and metallic figures.
But what made me linger was the history behind the work.
Drawing on the traditions of South Asian ceremonial bands, Adeela Suleman’s work explores a musical culture shaped in part by British colonial military traditions. Over time, these bands became embedded in celebrations and public life, carrying histories of colonialism, independence, identity and resistance.
I was particularly interested in how something so visually beautiful and celebratory could hold such complicated histories.
The longer I looked, the more the work revealed itself beyond its colours and craftsmanship.
It’s one of the things I enjoy most about visiting exhibitions. Being drawn towards something visually, then discovering the stories that change how you see it.
