"Art comes from the heart. It's about your own personal truth, your own personal emotion." Tracey Emin
Tracey Emin is a British contemporary artist known for her provocative and autobiographical artworks that explore themes of sexuality, identity, and personal experiences. She was born on July 3, 1963, in Croydon, London, England.
Emin's early life was marked by challenging circumstances. She grew up in a working-class family and faced difficulties in her education due to dyslexia. Despite these challenges, Emin found solace in art and began expressing herself creatively from a young age.
Emin studied at the Medway College of Design (now known as the University for the Creative Arts) and later attended the Royal College of Art in London, where she earned her Master of Arts degree in painting in 1989. During her time at the Royal College of Art, Emin became associated with the Young British Artists (YBAs), a group of artists known for their provocative and confrontational artworks.
One of Emin's most notable works is "My Bed" (1998), an installation that received significant attention and controversy. The artwork consists of her own unmade bed, complete with rumpled sheets, personal belongings, and debris. "My Bed" explores themes of intimacy, vulnerability, and emotional turmoil, drawing from Emin's personal experiences.
Emin is known for her use of diverse artistic mediums, including painting, sculpture, drawing, photography, and installation. Her works often incorporate personal narratives and confessional elements, inviting viewers to engage with the raw and emotional aspects of her life.
Throughout her career, Emin has received numerous accolades and recognition for her contributions to contemporary art. In 1999, she was shortlisted for the Turner Prize, a prestigious award for British artists. She was appointed a Royal Academician in 2007 and became a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 2013 for her services to the arts.
Emin's artwork has been exhibited worldwide, and her solo exhibitions have been held at prominent institutions such as Tate Britain, the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York, and the Stedelijk Museum in Amsterdam.
Beyond her artistic practice, Emin is an influential figure in contemporary art and has been an outspoken advocate for women's rights and mental health awareness. Her openness about her personal experiences and her unapologetic approach to her artwork have made her a prominent voice in the art world.
Tracey Emin's thought-provoking and confessional artworks continue to challenge societal taboos and provoke discussions around themes of sexuality, identity, and the complexities of the human experience. Her contributions to contemporary art have left an indelible mark and continue to inspire artists and viewers alike.
We have a number of Tracey Emin prints available. Tracey Emin posters are also for sale in the shop and some represent excellent value as their quality is really very high.