Tate Modern Announces ‘A Second Life,’ the Largest Tracey Emin Survey to Date

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Summary

  • Tracey Emin will open her largest-ever exhibition at Tate Modern from February 26 through August 30, 2026
  • A Second Life features over 90 works from her over four-decade-long practice, spanning video, sculpture, painting, installation and neon
  • The exhibition focuses in on Emin’s raw approach to self-expression and the body, alongside her confessional artworks that reshaped the idea autobiography in the contemporary art landscape

As an ardent admirer, I’m thrilled to share that Tate Modern has unveiled plans for a spectacular exhibition titled “A Second Life,” set to honor the extraordinary talent of Tracey Emin. This monumental event, scheduled from February 26 to August 30, 2026, promises to be the largest-ever showcase dedicated to her work.

With over 90 pieces on display, spanning her most iconic creations to never-before-seen masterpieces, this exhibition aims to shed new light on a voice that forever altered the landscape of autobiography in art. I can hardly wait to immerse myself in this incredible journey through Emin’s extraordinary artistic journey!

Known for her candid artworks and fearless self-expression, Emin rose to prominence in the 1990s, following in the footsteps of the iconic Young British Artists. The upcoming exhibition will feature a diverse range of pieces spanning four decades of artistic creation. This showcase will chronicle Emin’s life before and after illness and surgery, highlighting the raw honesty, vulnerability, and intimate themes that run throughout her work from both periods.

The main themes of the upcoming exhibition will center around two significant works: the three-week performance titled “The Exorcism of My Last Piece Ever Created” (1996), and the Turner Prize-nominated installation “My Bed” (1998). Moreover, other notable pieces explore concepts related to memory, location, and her enduring ties to Margate – a place she calls home and oversees an artist residency program.

After receiving a bladder cancer diagnosis in 2020, Emin continues to be open about her journey of survival and viewing her body as a place for both passion and suffering. Her upcoming work, A Second Life, will include “Ascension,” a piece from 2024 that delves into her personal experiences with her body following multiple surgeries. Additionally, it will show snapshots from an upcoming documentary, shedding light on the raw and personal aspects of illness and recovery.

In his latest press announcement, Emin expressed that the upcoming show signifies a significant milestone for him, serving as both a reflection and a stepping stone in his life journey. It truly embodies the essence of celebration and living.

For more information on the exhibition, and how to purchase tickets, head to the museum’s website.

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2025-09-08 20:26