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Overview
Art is like a lover whom you run away from but who comes back and picks you up
Tracey Emin, born on July 3, 1963, in Croydon, London, is a prominent British artist recognized for her candid and autobiographical creations. A key figure in the Young British Artists (YBA) movement during the late 1980s and 1990s, Emin's artistic journey has been marked by her exploration of love, sexuality, identity, and personal trauma. Raised in Margate, she faced early life challenges, ultimately pursuing her education at the Maidstone College of Art and the Royal College of Art in London. Emin's distinctive style encompasses various media, including drawing, painting, sculpture, installation, and the use of neon text. Notable works such as "Everyone I Have Ever Slept With 1963–1995" and "My Bed" have garnered international attention. Over the years, her art has evolved to delve into themes of aging, mortality, and introspection. Emin's contributions to the arts were acknowledged with a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) appointment in 2013, and she became a Royal Academician in 2019. Her openness about personal experiences, including topics like abortion and relationships, adds depth and controversy to her work, solidifying her status as a significant and influential presence in contemporary art.
Tracey Emin's art is renowned for its intimate and autobiographical nature, transcending traditional boundaries between art and life. Emin's work delves into deeply personal themes, expressing raw emotion and honesty. The exploration of her own experiences, including love, loss, and trauma, is a central element of her artistic identity. She employs a diverse range of mediums such as drawing, painting, sculpture, embroidery, and installations, showcasing a multidisciplinary approach. Emin's use of neon text, featuring handwritten and emotionally charged phrases, adds a provocative visual dimension to her creations. Notably, her installations often recreate private spaces, like the iconic "My Bed" (1998), providing viewers with a voyeuristic insight into her life. Emin fearlessly confronts controversial subjects, challenging societal norms and sparking both admiration and criticism. Her art has evolved over time, mirroring her personal journey and addressing themes of aging, mortality, and introspection. Emin's impact on contemporary art is profound, and her willingness to expose vulnerabilities has established her as a distinctive and influential voice in the art world.
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Select Paintings and Illustrations By Tracey Emin
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Series
Tracey Emin
The Closest I am to Love is You, 2019Neon59 x 64 3/4 in
150 x 164.4 cmEdition of 3 plus 2 APsSeries: NeonCopyright The ArtistTracey Emin, a prominent figure in the YBA (Young British Artists) movement, has continually captured the art world’s attention with her bold, confessional style. Among her most striking contributions to...Tracey Emin, a prominent figure in the YBA (Young British Artists) movement, has continually captured the art world’s attention with her bold, confessional style. Among her most striking contributions to contemporary art are her neon word sculptures, which blend personal narrative, emotional expression, and striking visual impact.
Tracey Emin’s venture into neon began in the early 1990s, inspired by the glitz and glamour of Las Vegas lights and the more personal, subdued glow of neon signs in ordinary British pubs. Emin's neons are not merely artistic objects but are extensions of her drawings and writings. These pieces are often phrased in her own handwriting, transforming her personal stories and thoughts into public spectacles.
Emin’s neon sculptures typically explore themes of love, heartbreak, hope, and existential anguish. Phrases like “You Forgot to Kiss My Soul” and “I Fell in Love Here” are examples of how her work combines deeply personal emotions with universal experiences, resonating with a wide audience. The use of neon—a material associated both with commercial advertising and seedy urban landscapes—allows Emin to play on the contrasts between public and private, between the transient and the eternal.
Creating a neon word sculpture begins with Emin’s handwritten notes or messages. These words are then bent into shape by skilled craftsmen who translate her expressive, often erratic handwriting into the precise yet delicate bends of the neon tubing. This process not only preserves the authenticity of her handwriting but also infuses each piece with a sense of immediacy and intimacy.
Emin's neon works have been exhibited in numerous galleries and public spaces around the world, from the streets of London to the rooms of prestigious museums. They are celebrated for their ability to convey profound personal sentiments publicly and poignantly. Critics and art lovers alike admire how her neons encapsulate the essence of her artistic voice—raw, vulnerable, and unmistakably real.
Tracey Emin’s neons have left an indelible mark on contemporary art. They challenge traditional notions of sculpture and public art by integrating text, light, and personal expression in innovative ways. Her influence is evident in the increasing popularity of text-based art and the use of neon by younger generations of artists who seek to explore similar themes of personal and collective identity. Emin's work, particularly her neon sculptures, continues to inspire and provoke, ensuring her place as a significant figure in the narrative of contemporary art. They serve not only as beacons of personal expression but also as landmarks in the evolving landscape of modern art.
