Known for his autobiographical, introspective works, from figurative paintings such as There is nothing sacred (2023) to “unsanitary” installations—she 1999 my bed, made up of everyday detritus, was shortlisted for the Turner Prize—British artist Tracey EminHis career traces a tortuous development, reflecting life’s contradictions, triumphs and tragedies. Spanning a variety of media and topics from the 90s to the present day, Emin’s views are expressed most fully in Paintings (Phaidon), available October 22.
Originally from the seaside town of Margate in Kent, England, this artist began his practice, in many ways, with David Bowie. At the age of 15, Emin discovered the cover art for Hero (1977) et Lodger (1979), inspired by the Austrian Expressionist painter Egon Schiele, who died at the age of 28 during the Spanish flu epidemic of 1918. Schiele was just the entry point; Soon Emin will be recklessly immersed in shaping.
The book introduces Emin’s rich work (over 300 pages) between the critic’s opening essay Jennifer Higgie, “Wounds and Healing,” documents the artist’s transformation over decades as a painter and a conversation between Emin and the actor David Dawson, took place at Emin’s studio in Margate. Dawson, who plays the lead role opposite Harry style in 2022 porn my police, opened their interview with the question, “Does art begin with mystery?” quotes a quote from a German-British painter Frank Auerbach.
“Does art begin with mystery?” Emin considered. “No, I wouldn’t say that. I think for Frank Auerbach it comes down to the way he paints, whereas for me it starts with an inner feeling and not a mysterious feeling.
“For me, painting always answers a question that I didn’t know before, as long as I’m honest.”
Despite being considered one of the art darlings of the mid-90s as one of the advertising moguls Charles SaatchiAs YBA of (young British artist), Emin is defined not by the interests of others but by a deep dedication to the exploration and discovery of oneself: body, mind, heart, spirit god. Higgie describes Emin’s passion for painting as a spiritual practice.
Whether it’s discordant figurative paintings, monochrome drawings of Princess Diana, neon works or a three-week show where she lived in a gallery filled with nothing but artistic materials, Emin’s career has transcended conventions and serious tastes from her earliest days to the present. intention to slow down. In 2020, the artist revealed She has been diagnosed with cancerunderwent surgery and was in remission. December last year She required emergency surgery on her small intestine. However, she continued to create. she quipped The “peak” male artist is in his 40scompares the artistic trajectory of gender to orgasm.
“They only have one; it was like a big ejaculation,” Emin said on a recent episode of Louis Theroux’s podcast. “Women just tend to come and come and come. So, as a woman, you have to continue throughout your life until you get old.”
Below is a collection of ceramics inspired by Emin’s approach to art and life:
Items selected by Nicole Chappoteau, Samantha Gasmer, Kia D. Goosby, Jessica Neises, Miles PopeAnd Daisy Shaw-Ellis.
