Tracey Emin
Tracy Emin’s honest, introspective work spans three decades worth of drawing, painting, sculpture, film and photography. A so-called New British Artist, Emin’s work confronts issues including sexism, alcoholism and abortion. Her 1997 installation work Everyone I have Ever Slept With gained Emin international attention. Once seen as the ‘Enfant Terrible’ of British art, Emin’s work has prompted increased discussion of women’s and minority issues in British art.
Early Life and Education
Emin grew up in Margate, Kent, where she experienced a tumultuous childhood marked by hardship and trauma. She attended the Medway College of Design (now the University for the Creative Arts) from 1980 to 1982, and later studied at Maidstone College of Art from 1984 to 1986. In 1987, she enrolled at the Royal College of Art (RCA) in London, graduating with an MA in painting in 1989.
Emergence of the Young British Artists (YBAs)
Emin's career began to take shape in the early 1990s when she became associated with the Young British Artists (YBAs), a group known for their provocative and boundary-pushing works. Her relationship with fellow YBA artist Damien Hirst and her participation in exhibitions such as "Freeze" helped elevate her profile in the art world.
Major Works and Themes
Emin's work is characterized by its autobiographical content and raw emotional intensity. Her pieces often draw directly from her personal experiences, making her vulnerability a central aspect of her art.
One of her most famous works is "Everyone I Have Ever Slept With 1963–1995" (1995), a tent appliquéd with the names of everyone she had shared a bed with, highlighting themes of intimacy and memory. Another significant work is "My Bed" (1998), an installation featuring her own unmade bed surrounded by personal items, which was shortlisted for the Turner Prize in 1999. This piece brought Emin widespread recognition and sparked debates about the nature of art and confessional practice.
Neon Art and Text Works
Emin is also known for her neon text pieces, which often feature candid, poetic phrases. These works, such as "You Forgot to Kiss My Soul" (2001) and "I Promise To Love You" (2007), convey deep emotional truths and further explore themes of love, loss, and desire.
Writing and Film
In addition to her visual art, Emin is an accomplished writer and filmmaker. Her memoir "Strangeland" (2005) provides an intimate look into her life and thoughts. She has also directed several films, including "Top Spot" (2004), which explores the lives of teenage girls in Margate.
Personal Life and Public Persona
Emin's candidness about her personal life, including her experiences with sexual assault, abortion, and mental health issues, has been both celebrated and criticized. Her outspoken nature and willingness to confront taboo subjects have made her a polarizing figure in the art world.
Recognition and Legacy
Emin has received numerous accolades throughout her career, including being appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 2013 for her contributions to the arts. Her work has been exhibited internationally in major institutions such as Tate Britain, the Museum of Modern Art in New York, and the Royal Academy of Arts in London.
Recent Work and Continuing Influence
In recent years, Emin has continued to produce powerful and introspective works. Her 2020 solo exhibition "Tracey Emin / Edvard Munch: The Loneliness of the Soul" at the Royal Academy of Arts showcased her dialogue with the Norwegian expressionist, reflecting her ongoing exploration of existential themes.
Emin's recent works include large-scale paintings and bronze sculptures that delve deeper into her personal experiences and emotional landscape. Despite facing health challenges, including a battle with cancer, she remains a prolific and influential artist.