A COLOURFUL exhibition examining the contrasting areas of inner and outer self opens at the Link Gallery today (August 13) at the University of Winchester.

Titled Spirit and Suit, the exhibition displays the latest work by former Winchester School of Art graduates, Joo-Hee Chun and Tanya Saffron Weall.

Tanya, who lives in Hampshire and teaches and works as a freelance artist at Southampton City Art Gallery, said: "Our exhibition at the Link Gallery explores the question, How can artists represent the creation of inner and outer worlds?

"We all experience the sense of having an inner and outer self. Self image may be viewed as partly consisting of inner qualities that can't be seen by the naked eye, and outer appearances, that are visible.

"I'm interested in how people construct an exterior identity, often borrowed from fictional characters and icons, in order to project an external version of themselves. My paintings are my way of undermining existing archetypes."

Joo-Hee worked as an art lecturer in Korea before moving to London to work as a freelance artist and art tutor. Her paintings are about representing the inner, spiritual world.

She said: "My compositions evolve as a continuous process, as a metaphor for layers of personality, and inner emotions, secrets and tensions."

Joo-Hee works between layers of translucent medium, applying calligraphic lines and free form text.

Both artists worked collaboratively on the prestigious Childhood Memories exhibition shown at the Slaturhusinu Gallery in Egilsstadum a few years ago funded by the Cultural Council of East Iceland.

Spirit and Suit runs from August 13 to September 14at the Link Gallery, University of Winchester, West Downs Centre, Romsey Road, Winchester. Admission is free.