An exhibition challenging preconceptions of beauty is to open at Newcastle's Laing Art Gallery.

The show, Life is Beautiful, features international loans and commissions in a range of media, some of which have never been exhibited.

Dr Andrew Patrizio, associated curator at the gallery, said: "The exhibition is trying to do at least two things - firstly, allow some of the best and most challenging artists today to present their ideas on the theme of beauty, and secondly, ask the visiting public to test and change their notions of beauty in the light of what they see."

As part of the exhibition, the gallery is hosting workshops, family activities and artists' talks.

The exhibition runs from February 9, and admission and activities are free. The gallery is open from 10am to 5pm Monday to Saturday, and 2pm to 5pm on Sundays.