Tracey Emin

Although Emin does not feature in my current sketchbook as of yet, she is worth a mention for sure. One of my biggest idols yet someone I'd least like to be...there's a juxtaposition on it's own I suppose. Emins hunger for life seeps through every single piece of her work, whether they are prints, textiles pieces, paintings, or phrases made from neon lights. She's experienced life events that I wouldn't wish on anybody, and if they happened to me I'm not sure I'd be able to create work responding to them like she has...it's clear that Emin had had many troubled sexual and platonic relationships, followed by more than one abortion, these she documented through various ways, she's crated a sieries of small coffins, and displaying collections of baby garments. 

'My Abortion 1990   1963-93/2000'

Other pieces she's created that respond to her troubled sex life, create a vision that Emin was confused about her role as a lover, her self esteem especially low, and her body unloved. 

'Free + Really wet 1997'

'Sometimes I feel beautiful 2000'

'FUCK OFF AND DIE YOU SLAG 2002'

'Ive got it all 2000'

Everyone I've ever slept with is one of my favourite pices in the whole world, Emin constructed a tent, then embroiderd it with the names of quite literally everyone she had ever slept with, from childhood freinds, to family, to ex lovers and unborn children. 

'Everyone I have ever slept with 1963-94 (destroyed 2004) 1995'

Emin was part of the young British artist (YBA) movement. She was part of Charles Sattchi's 'sensation' exhibition held at the Royal Acadamy London, 1997...dispite the exhibition creating great stir in the art world due to the nature of some pieces that were exhibited, such as a portrait of Myra Hindley made from children's hand prints. This was the start of Emins career, but she didn't get famous until she appeard on a channel four discussion show, absolutely blind drunk, and asking for her mum, a and swearing profusely. In 1999 she was a nominee for the turner prize with 'my bed'. This was an installation of literally her own, un made bed, complete with used condoms, take away wrappers, blood stained knickers, alcohol bottles, tights, towels and other private belongings.