I happily spent this morning/early afternoon with Tracey Emin at a press invitation to her brand new exhibition entitled ‘A Fortnight of Tears‘ at the White Cube, Bermondsey, London, SE1. This is a major exhibition installed throughout the gallery’s spaces, exhibits include sculpture, neon, painting, film, photography and drawing, all focusing on Emin’s own memories and emotions, arising from loss, pathos, anger and love.
This exhibition is one to feast upon, throughout the exhibition Emin articulates the joy and suffering that is intrinsic to our human existence. Often with fraught memories of sexual relations, the very physical and emotional trauma she endured with her abortion of twins (past three months pregnancy), and most notably the passing of her mother. Pain is very much of the theme of ‘A Fortnight of Tears’, works shown in the North Galleries in particular evoke states of bereavement, grief and abiding love.
The vast bronze sculpture entitled ‘The Mother (2017), relates to Emin’s public commission for Oslo’s Museum Island, which will be permanently installed beside the Edvard Much Museum from late spring 2020. A kneeling nude, gazing intently upon an absent form, a ghost perhaps, cradled in her palms, she is a philiosophical symbol of femininity and sanctuary. There are two further impassioned bronze sculptures exhibited throughout this vast space.
Our film captured below includes a question that I asked her, from the call out that I sent out a few weeks ago. This is Lisa Mitchell’s question and Emin addresses it with much passion.
I loved Tracey Emin’s work prior to meeting her today, now, if it’s possible I love it even more. If you do get a chance to visit this exhibition I strongly recommend it. It is open to the public from 6 February – 7 April 2019, White Cube, Bermondsey, London. Do go!
