From Friday 28 September to Sunday 30 September, acclaimed international performance artist Nikhil Chopra is to transform the historic Vulcan locomotive at the Museum of Science and Industry into Blackening: 3157, a stunning piece of art taking influence from the 70th anniversary of Partition and the role railways played in the division of India and Pakistan.

Nikhil spent 48 hours with the locomotive, eating and sleeping in front of it while he created the giant artwork on canvas. The museum remained open 24 hours a day for the duration of the performance, allowing visitors to gain a unique experience of the work. Well known for these long-duration improvised performance pieces, Chopra's work included changing into costumed personas and a large scale, charcoal drawing that will took shape throughout the weekend. He was accompanied by a bespoke soundtrack created by electronic music producer Masta Justy. The Vulcan locomotive was manufactured in Newton-le-Willows in 1911 before being exported to India. Following Partition, it was one of the first locomotives to be used on the newly formed Pakistan Railways where it remained in service until the early 1980s.

This performance is part of New North and South—a series of events, exhibitions and interventions to mark the anniversary of Partition. 

-Text from the Museum of Science and Industry, Manchester’s website.