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University's Norman Rea Gallery launches colourful new exhibition

Posted on 8 January 2013

Abstract portrayals of the human face, featuring bold, lurid colours, take centre stage at a new exhibition at the Norman Rea Gallery at the University of York.

The free exhibition, The Settlers, by artist Katrine Roberts, opens on Monday, 14 January and is curated by Martha Cattell, a student in the University’s Departments of History of Art and History.

Katrine Roberts completed a BA Honours Degree in Fine Art: Painting at the City & Guilds of London Art School in 2011 and was included in The Catlin Guide 2012 which features 40 of the UK’s most promising graduate artists. She has exhibited across London, including at the London Art Fair in Islington, Frameless Gallery in Farringdon and Block 336 in Brixton. She has also exhibited internationally in Space K Galleries across South Korea.

Katrine Roberts says: “The face is the point at which we communicate and respond to our surroundings and to ourselves. Skin acts as a porous barrier or dividing line between ourselves and the world, it is both sturdy and unstable. I am interested in both physical and metaphysical boundaries; through skin or paint there is a physical representation of the invisible interactions which occur during human interaction.”

I am interested in both physical and metaphysical boundaries; through skin or paint there is a physical representation of the invisible interactions which occur during human interaction

Katrine Roberts

The Norman Rea Gallery is run entirely by students at the University of York. Situated above The Courtyard in Derwent College, the gallery hosts exciting exhibitions throughout the year and promotes the work of both student and professional artists. The gallery hosts three exhibitions a term with lectures, seminars and events. 

Mayssa Kachicho, Director of the Norman Rea Gallery, says: “Katrine Roberts’ exhibition provides a very dramatic opening to our spring programme of exhibitions. Using lurid coloured paint, she disfigures traditional portraiture through a process of application and removal and is fascinated with corrupting and fusing the boundaries of what a face is expected to be. Emotions permeate through the abstract faces.”

The Settlers exhibition is free and open to all. Following an opening event on Monday, 14 January from 7-9pm, it will be on show until 26 January weekdays from 9am to 5pm. For further information visit www.thenormanreagallery.co.uk.

Notes to editors:

Contact details

Caron Lett
Press Officer

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