Project 11- GE Assignment
Tracey Emin
Born in 1963, Tracey Emin is an artist that focuses on autobiographical and confessional work. She uses many different methods including, drawing, painting, sculpture, sewn applique, film, photography and neon text. Emin gained a lot of recognition in the late 1980’s as a member of the Young British Artists. Seen as a feminist artist, Tracey Emin created a work called My Bed (1998) that features her own unmade bed. She commented on her work saying, “There should be something revelatory about art. It should be totally creative and open doors for new thoughts and experiences.” Some of her inspirations include Edvard Munch and Egon Schiele.
In her early years, Emin attended the Royal College of Art in London. Now she is seen as an Honorary Doctorate and Royal Academician. Much of her work is being displayed at The Museum of Modern Art in New York, Tate Gallery in London, and the Goetz collection in Munich.
Tracey Emin has been able to create many pieces that feature difficult topics and often topics not spoken about because of it being “taboo.” Throughout a lot of her life Tracey Emin had to endure many hardships that was able to influence a lot of these controversial works. In a show of new work called A Fortnight of Tears, Emin covers topics including her personal abortion, the death of her father and mother, and the rapes that she had to experience as a teenager. Emin was able to take these difficult topics and turn them into a form of art that can speak volumes.
A lot of Emin’s work consists of a more abstract style. Her line work appears sketchy and the overall composition has a “diluted” look. While her works do not always give off a distinct image, the message and overall emotional connection to the work is incredibly moving. Emin is able to do what a lot of people are scared to do; show raw, undeniable realness. In today’s society, we have become much more willing to discuss the difficult topics, but back in the ‘80’s, many people decided to ignore them. Tracey Emin was able to take it into her own hands and bring to attention the difficulties that many people face. Tracey Emin’s work is truly inspirational. As a person who struggles with mental health it is incredible to see someone showcasing topics that are connected to it.
Tracey Emin inspiration pieces:
My work:
Citations:
“Tracey Emin.” Artnet, www.artnet.com/artists/tracey-emin/.
“Tracey Emin Review – Brutal Portraits of Female Pain.” The Guardian, Guardian News and Media, 5 Feb. 2019, www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2019/feb/05/tracey-emin-a-fortnight-of-tears-review-london-white-cube-bermondsey.