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

The free exhibition of The Settlers, by artist Katrine Roberts, opened on Monday at the Norman Rea Gallery at the University of York Katrine 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.

The gallery is run entirely by students at the university and is situated above The Courtyard in Derwent College. The gallery hosts 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 gallery, said: “Katrine Roberts’ exhibition provides a very dramatic opening to our spring programme of exhibitions.”

The Settlers will be on show until January 26 on weekdays, from 9am to 5pm.

For further information visit thenormanreagallery.co.uk