HS2 Matters

Celebrating Curzon Street.

A Birmingham City University student has won an art competition to mark the arrival of HS2 in Birmingham.

HS2 Ltd joined forces with the university to find an artist to produce artwork celebrating Curzon’s Street’s railway heritage as the oldest railway terminus in the world, as well as its high-speed future.

Sarina Kaur, a visual communications student from South Shields, was the winning entrant. Her design (pictured) is now on display as two 8.3m x 4.3m banners between the Roman-inspired columns of the former Curzon Street station entrance.

“The inspiration behind my design has taken influence from the illustrator and art director Kate Moross,” said Kaur.

“Using a serif font and reforming the elements of a steam locomotive to represent the 19th century, I have merged elements of both traditional and modern styles, allowing audiences to understand how art has been influenced over the years.”

Birmingham City Council Leader John Clancy said: “Sarina’s artwork symbolises the start of an exciting period of change for Birmingham Eastside. HS2 is a huge opportunity for our young and growing population, so we are delighted to have worked in partnership with HS2 Ltd, Birmingham City University and the local student community to celebrate the announcement that high-speed rail is coming to the city.”

There were 54 entries from university students, including from those studying non-arts subjects. The competition was supported by the university’s Graduate+ initiative, which helps students to build on their skills and support them in employment when they leave university.