Tracey Emin is a leading figure in contemporary British art, celebrated for her deeply autobiographical and confessional works. Born in 1963, Emin’s art explores themes of love, desire, loss, grief, personal reflection, and illness with unfiltered honesty. She works across painting, drawing, sculpture, film, photography, neon text, and sewn appliqué. Emin’s raw, emotional approach and willingness to expose her vulnerabilities have made her a defining voice among the Young British Artists (YBAs) and a Royal Academician.
If Damien Hirst, with his radical, provocative art, could become one of the most successful and influential artists of his generation, just imagine the heights Tracey Emin could reach with the raw emotional power and honesty of her work.
What Are Tracey Emin’s Most Recent and Notable Exhibitions?
The most significant recent exhibition is her major thematic solo show at Palazzo Strozzi in Florence, Italy, running from March 16 to July 20, 2025. This is the largest exhibition ever held in Italy dedicated to Emin, featuring over 60 works spanning painting, drawing, film, photography, embroidery, sculpture, and neon installations. Many pieces are being shown in Italy for the first time, including new works created specifically for this show. Curated by Arturo Galansino, the exhibition delves into Emin’s lifelong themes of human connection, vulnerability, illness, loneliness, and love, using her signature directness and autobiographical intensity.
How Has Tracey Emin Performed at Auction Recently?
Emin’s market remains robust, with her works consistently achieving high prices at auction. Recent highlights include:
- “Hunter” (2025): Sold for £1 million ($1.3 million) at Art Basel 2025, reflecting strong ongoing demand for her newest work.
- “Be Brave” (2015): Blue neon piece sold at both Christie’s and Phillips in early 2025, demonstrating the popularity of her neon works.
- “The More of You the More I Love You” (2016): Another neon work sold at Christie’s in February 2025.
- “The Shower”: Realised £504,000 at Christie’s in October 2024, exceeding its pre-sale estimate and showing continued interest in her expressive paintings.
- Record Sale: Her iconic installation My Bed (1998) remains her highest-selling work, achieving £2.5 million at Christie’s in 2014.
Her auction results show a steady increase in value, particularly for original paintings and installations, with prints also appreciating annually.
What Themes Define Tracey Emin’s Art?
Emin’s art is characterized by:
- Autobiographical honesty: Using her own life, including childhood, relationships, illness, and ageing, as primary material.
- Emotional rawness: Her work often deals with pain, vulnerability, and rites of passage, making the personal universal.
- Diverse media: Emin is known for her versatility, employing everything from neon and textiles to painting and sculpture.
- Exploration of connection and solitude: These themes are especially prominent in her recent exhibitions, such as her 2025 Florence show.
What Is Tracey Emin’s Current Status in the Art World?
Emin continues to live and work in Margate, London, and France, remaining a vital force in contemporary art. Her work is regularly featured in major international exhibitions and art fairs. She is recognized for her fearless approach to both subject matter and medium, and her influence extends beyond her own practice—she has established artist residency programs, such as TKE Studios, to support emerging artists.
What Makes Tracey Emin’s Art So Sought After?
Collectors and institutions are drawn to Emin’s work for its authenticity, emotional depth, and cultural significance. Her ability to transform intimate, often painful experiences into universally resonant art has secured her place as one of the most important artists of her generation.
