One metre canvas, five musicians, and pure improvisation collide on November 22nd.
An extraordinary fusion of visual art and live music is coming to Burton this month when Iranian artist Venus Behjati takes over the Sonic Boom Shop for an immersive creative experience unlike anything the town has seen before.
On November 22nd, Behjati will create a one metre by one metre painting live in the shop while a five piece band improvises music in direct response to her brushstrokes. It is art and music in conversation, each feeding off the other, with nothing rehearsed and everything created in the moment.
The event follows the success of Behjati’s recent exhibition launch at Derby’s Dubrek, titled ‘A New Landscape’, where the same format captivated audiences. Now she is bringing that magic to Burton, inviting the community to witness creativity as it unfolds.
Behjati moved to the UK from Iran in 2020 and has just completed her Masters in Fine Art at Derby University. Her work explores new landscapes, both literal and emotional, shaped by her journey between cultures and her deep connection to the act of creation itself.
The band accompanying her is a carefully assembled collective of local talent. Fawn will provide acoustic guitar and vocals, Sarah Newby brings cello and saw, Johnny Hill plays saxophone, Dan Brigstock adds percussion and mandolin, and Krista Ford lends her voice to the mix. Together, they will perform two roughly hour long sessions, each completely different, with the music entirely improvised and existing only in that fleeting moment.
What makes this event truly special is its accessibility. Throughout both sessions, Venus and the musicians will be approachable. Band members will drift in and out of playing, creating space for conversation. Attendees are encouraged to ask questions, discuss the work, and engage with the artists as the performance evolves around them.
This is not a traditional gallery opening or a standard gig. It is a living, breathing collaboration where the audience becomes part of the experience, watching art and music emerge from nothing, shaped by instinct, emotion, and the energy in the room.
For those who cannot attend, Behjati’s work can be explored online via her Instagram, where she shares her creative journey and past projects.
Whether you are an art lover, a music fan, or simply curious about something different, this is a rare opportunity to witness two art forms collide in real time. Venus Behjati and her collaborators are offering Burton something truly unique, a chance to step inside the creative process and see what happens when boundaries dissolve and artists simply respond.
The event takes place on November 22nd at Sonic Boom. Do not miss it.
