ARCHBISHOP of York, Dr John Sentamu, has opened a major new exhibition at York Art Gallery.

The Sea is the Limit explores issues of migration, dispossession and national borders was unveiled on Thursday.

The exhibition features work from contemporary artists around the world.

Their work questions the meaning of nationalism, free movement, inclusion and exclusion, drawing on both historical and contemporary narratives.

The Archbishop said: "For those of us living in the British Isles the sea has been one way of making ourselves feel secure and keeping others at bay. "In the book of Revelation St John the Divine sees a vision of a new earth where there is no sea, the boundary between people of different nations, tribes and languages has disappeared. "This is a thought-provoking exhibition. I pray that all who see it will be provoked to think more deeply about the barriers we erect and how we welcome others to share our space."

The exhibition runs until September 2 and is included in the York Art Gallery admission price.

Contemporary artist and curator Varvara Shavrova, whose work also features, said: "What makes The Sea is the Limit a unique exhibition is the fact that each participating artist has been addressing the theme of refugees and rootlessness for some years.

"Another strength of the show lies in the fact that most participating artists, including myself, are migrants."

The project has been organised by York Art Gallery and Varvara Shavrova in collaboration with London gallery Patrick Heide and features 25 artworks in a wide range of media such as audio visual objects, interative installations, drawings, paintings, sculpture and audio and video works.

There will also be a programme of events, including talks and tours, throughout its run.