Tracey Emin opens her exhibition at the Turner Contemporary , Margate.

The exhibition at the gallery in Margate features erotic sketches by Emin, JMW Turner and Auguste Rodin

An exhibition of new works by controversial artist Tracey Emin will open at Margate’s Turner Contemporary tomorrow.

Entitled ‘She Lay Down Deep Beneath the Sea’, it explores the themes of love, sex and eroticism.

It features new works, including drawings, monoprints, sculptures, tapestries, embroideries and neons.

A selection of sketches and paintings by JMW Turner and Auguste Rodin are also on show.

Emin, who grew up in the seaside town, said: “I still can’t really believe that I’m showing in Margate.

“Even in my wildest dreams I could never believe there would be a gallery like Turner Contemporary there.

“So on the one level I’m really chuffed and excited but on another I am as nervous as hell.

“The brilliant thing about Margate is it’s one hour from London on the train so I’m hoping lots of people will come and visit not just my show but the beautiful sunsets and sandy beaches.”

Director of the gallery Victoria Pomery added: “We are thrilled to be working with Tracey on this exhibition of new work, which considers Tracey’s extensive oeuvre in a new light.”

The exhibition will open tomorrow, Saturday, May 26.

Next month, Emin will also be taking her place in the history books by running as an Olympic torchbearer.

She will carry it through Margate on July 19, stopping briefly outside Turner Contemporary.

Kent County Council cabinet member for customer and communities Mike Hill said: “It is a real honour for the gallery to be included in the torch relay and it is particularly right and fitting that Tracey Emin should be a Torchbearer.

“Margate and the gallery will be put firmly on the Olympic map.”

Leader of Thanet District Council Clive Hart said: “I am extremely pleased that the Turner Contemporary Gallery, one of Thanet’s greatest attributes, will be featured on the torch relay route. This is a wonderful opportunity to showcase all that Thanet has to offer and with Tracey Emin as a Torchbearer here in Margate, it really will be our moment to shine.”