A monumental survey of Tracey Emin's work is scheduled to open at Tate Modern in early 2026, offering an unparalleled look into the artist's four-decade-long career. This significant presentation, titled \"A Second Life,\" will feature more than 90 pieces, including both celebrated and never-before-seen creations, highlighting Emin's pioneering role in reshaping the narrative of autobiography within contemporary art. Emin's distinctive, unfiltered style and candid self-expression have captivated audiences since the 1990s, when she rose to prominence among the Young British Artists.
The exhibition will explore the depth of Emin's artistic journey across various mediums, such as video, sculpture, painting, installation, and neon. A central theme will be the transition between Emin's 'first' and 'second' lives, particularly her experiences following a challenging illness and surgery, and how these deeply personal encounters fueled her art with profound honesty, vulnerability, and intimacy. Key highlights of the exhibition include the three-week performance piece \"Exorcism of the Last Painting I Ever Made\" (1996) and the Turner Prize-nominated installation \"My Bed\" (1998). Additionally, the showcase will feature works that explore themes of memory and place, reflecting her enduring connection to Margate, her current home and the site of her artist residency.
Following her 2020 bladder cancer diagnosis, Emin has openly addressed her battle with illness and healing through her art, portraying the body as a canvas for both passion and suffering. \"A Second Life\" will specifically include her 2024 work, \"Ascension,\" which intimately delves into her post-surgery relationship with her body. The exhibition will also incorporate stills from a forthcoming documentary, offering a poignant look into the realities of illness and the arduous journey of healing. Emin's own words encapsulate the essence of this upcoming show, as she views it as a crucial \"benchmark\" in her life, a moment for reflection and forward momentum, and ultimately, \"a true celebration of living.\"
This comprehensive exhibition celebrates the enduring power of art to express the human condition with raw honesty and vulnerability. Tracey Emin's journey, marked by both profound personal struggles and artistic triumphs, reminds us that even in the face of adversity, there is strength, resilience, and an unwavering spirit to embrace life. Her work serves as a testament to the transformative nature of art, capable of turning personal narratives into universal experiences that resonate deeply with audiences, inspiring empathy and a renewed appreciation for the courage to live authentically.