Dame Tracey Emin Voices British Pride and Political Critique Ahead of Major Tate Modern Exhibition
Speaking in anticipation of her new exhibition at London's Tate Modern, Dame Tracey Emin has declared herself "proud to be British" while issuing a sharp rebuke against what she describes as jingoistic, racist, and bigoted behaviour that divides the nation. The acclaimed artist, who received a damehood for services to art in 2024, emphasised that her hometown of Margate has notably rejected the political party Reform UK, attributing this to the community's intelligence and political astuteness.
Margate's Transformation Through Art and Community Resilience
Dame Tracey highlighted the significant improvements in Margate, a Kent seaside resort that she believes has been positively changed through artistic influence. She noted that while life remains "tough" for many residents, with approximately 18,000 people living below the poverty line often despite having jobs, the town has experienced a boom in recent years. This resurgence includes the opening of new restaurants, cafes, and boutiques, alongside the establishment of the Turner Contemporary art gallery in 2011.
"Art is really changing the landscape of it," Dame Tracey asserted, acknowledging that this transformation might sound like gentrification but stressing that it provides employment opportunities for young people. She has personally contributed to this effort by funding a cafe that teaches hospitality skills to youth in Margate, stating, "I'm not just saying something's got to be done, I'm actually doing it."
Political Commentary and Critique of Reform UK
In her remarks, Dame Tracey specifically targeted Reform UK and its figurehead Nigel Farage, recalling two unsuccessful attempts by Farage to gain support in Margate. "He didn't get in because there's a lot of people there that are a lot more intelligent and a lot more politically astute than what people imagine," she explained. She argued that if more individuals took proactive steps to improve their communities, divisive political voices like Reform UK would hold less sway, as people would be less inclined to listen to them.
Exhibition Details and Artistic Legacy
Dame Tracey's upcoming exhibition, titled "Tracey Emin: A Second Life," is set to launch at the Tate Modern and will run until August 31. This survey exhibition is the largest of her career, spanning 40 years and featuring over 100 works across various media, including painting, video, textile, neon, sculpture, and installation. A spokesman for the gallery described it as an exploration of how Dame Tracey has used the "female body as a powerful tool to explore passion, pain, and healing."
Notable pieces in the exhibition include:
- Works from her first solo exhibition at White Cube in 1993.
- Two iconic installations: Exorcism Of The Last Painting I Ever Made (1996) and My Bed (1998), the latter of which was nominated for the Turner Prize.
- The quilt The Last of the Gold 2002, featuring an "A to Z of abortion" and being shown publicly for the first time.
- Recent works such as the bronze sculpture Ascension 2024 and new photographs depicting her stoma, reflecting her experience following major surgery for bladder cancer.
Advocacy for Accessible Art Education
Beyond her exhibition, Dame Tracey addressed broader issues in the art world, particularly the barriers faced by individuals from working-class backgrounds due to high tuition fees. She urged aspiring artists not to let costs deter them from university education, warning that otherwise, "only wealthy people are being educated and having a higher education, and that's morally wrong." She expressed excitement about her Tate Modern show, calling it a "benchmark" in her career and a celebration of living.
Reform UK has been approached for comment regarding Dame Tracey's statements, but no response has been provided at this time.
