A CELEBRATED Winchester artist is exhibiting a new series of works with a difference at the city's Theatre Royal throughout February.

Visitors will be able to see Alex Hoare, who is based at the Colour Factory, Gordon Road, at work and observe the development of the paintings through the exhibition.

The work is based on the theme of women, their memories and stories and is linked to and inspired by the excavated site of Nunnaminster by Winchester Guildhall.

Alex said: "Nunnaminster was a place of contemplation and reflection for the nuns of Winchester centuries ago. My work seeks to explore the changing identity of women over the ages and to encourage women to reflect upon their lives across time and in the 21st century. I would love to work with women's groups in the area to explore these themes."

This new exhibition is the starting point for a developing project which will explore female identity and is to culminate in a video installation and performance piece in October.