Tracey Emin's Tate Modern Survey Reveals Evolution from Provocation to Intimate Presence
On 27 February 2026, Tate Modern in London will unveil Tracey Emin's exhibition titled 'Tracey Emin: A Second Life,' which will be open until 31 August. This event, in collaboration with Gucci, marks her most extensive showcase, taking place in the Eyal Offer Galleries. Emin's artistic journey is highlighted, transitioning from her confessional pieces of the early 1990s to themes of love and intimacy. Her latest works, produced in Margate, depict figures in red, pink, or dark blue set against light backgrounds, with beds representing healing. After her 2020 diagnosis of bladder cancer, following her mother's battle with the same disease in 2016, her outlook changed. Additionally, she is curating 'Crossing Into Darkness' at Carl Freedman Gallery, available until 12 April. Emin also established Boffice Films, promoting creativity without constraints.
Key facts
- Tracey Emin's survey exhibition 'Tracey Emin: A Second Life' opens at Tate Modern on 27 February 2026.
- The exhibition runs through 31 August 2026 and is presented in partnership with Gucci.
- Emin was diagnosed with bladder cancer in 2020, following her mother's death from the same illness in 2016.
- She has curated a group exhibition 'Crossing Into Darkness' at Carl Freedman Gallery in Margate through 12 April.
- Emin founded TKE Studios in Margate, where she now works primarily.
- Her early 1990s work addressed themes of rape, abortion, and domestic abuse through textile and installation pieces.
- Recent paintings feature figures in bright outlines against pale backgrounds, with beds as recurring motifs.
- Emin co-founded Boffice Films with Liz and John O'Rourke, named for working from bed.
Entities
Artists
- Tracey Emin
- Donald Judd
- Van Gogh
- Munch
- Laure Prouvost
- Phoebe Boswell
- Sarah Lucas
- Rachel Whiteread
- Anna Müller
Institutions
- Tate Modern
- Gucci
- Carl Freedman Gallery
- TKE Studios
- Boffice Films
- ArtReview
- Strozzi
- Royal College of Art
- Dreamland
Locations
- London
- United Kingdom
- Margate
- Florence
- Italy
- Stockholm
- Sweden