CAN you dance to a painting? This intriguing conundrum is posed in Out Of My Head, a new exhibition staged by York artist and writer Frank Holli at the Lucius Gallery from Tuesday.

Frank, co-author of the cult rock'n'roll book Anorak Of Love, invites the viewer into a parallel universe in his artwork.

"Here the familiar and fantastic mingle, and vibrant colour and images are sampled and remixed from pop culture to create a visual rhythm that is almost musical," he says.

"The paintings, all named after half-remembered songs, seem to conjure a melodic mood that is both personal and communal."

Frank sees his paintings "behaving very much like classic pop songs". "We become entangled with the stories in a song or painting, so that a story which is loved by millions also becomes our own private, mysterious story," he says.

"By using bright colour and rhythmic marks I want to make pictures you can dance to! I'd love to see people coming out of the show humming the paintings!"

Out Of My Head is in the mood for dancing from July 12 to July 30 at the Lucius Gallery, in Fossgate, York, with a special preview party on July 16 from 1.30pm onwards. Gallery opening times are Tuesday to Saturday, 10am to 6pm; admission free.

Updated: 09:00 Friday, July 08, 2005