As part of the redevelopment of the Birmingham Hippodrome, Modus Operandi was appointed to advise on the commission of site-specific artworks. Balraj Khanna was selected to design a new safety curtain for the auditorium. Astral Dance is a large-scale, abstract work which playfully engages the viewer in its jigsaw-like form.
‘Inspired by music and dance, the work encapsulates the spirit of theatre and resonates with magic and mystery which becomes all the more tantalising when we realise that the somewhat surrealistic elements populating the painting are all inter-related. A discerning eye can work out that the shapes contained can all be put back together to form a unified whole - a veritable challenge for all visitors to the Hippodrome!’ Balraj Khanna
The artist also acted as the colour consultant throughout the theatre, in consultation with Associated Architects and the client group.
This project was part of the Birmingham Hippodrome Art Programme curated by Modus Operandi.
