Gallery visitors will encounter art of every kind at a Brighton exhibition.

Brighton Museum and Art Gallery's Sussex Open exhibition will have the broad theme of Encounters.

Brighton sculptor Mary Goody has interpreted the theme with her sculpture, Double, which features two headless, sitting bodies.

She said: "I almost always work with bodies. People always ask me why they have not got heads. In a way they are more about the felt experience of the body than the visual, literal sense."

The Sussex Open is a chance for any adult artist, professional or amateur, to be put on display.

It was last held in 1988 after being held annually or biannually. The museum has decided to relaunch it following a major refurbishment.

This year's exhibition features 718 paintings and sculptures in styles varying from traditional to abstract.

Work includes a painting of the back of a giant elephant, another entitled Waiting for Fatboy Slim and an anti-war painting featuring Tony Blair.

Helen Grundy, of Brighton Museum and Art Gallery, said: "The variety of mediums and approaches does mean everyone should be able to find their own favourite interest. It should certainly provide interest and discussion."