Love is what you want!

©Hayward Gallery

TRACEY EMIN

Hayward Gallery

18th of May to 29th of August

(60th Anniversary celebration of the Festival of Britain)

I had a large glass of wine and some hot hot curry stew at the Hayward cafe to gear myself up for the Tracey Emin retrospective. After having seen Nancy Spero's feminist screams from the 70's at the Serpentine gallery a month ago. I was for some reason expecting more anger here as well. How wrong I was! Feminism has actually moved on to another level. By, by backlash!

Tracey Emin's first mayor survey in London is beautiful, touching and intimate. After having mostly read about her drunken rants I was so surprised by her gentleness, just listen to her beautiful nearly childish voice. There is no anger here, but sorrow, depression and sadness, yes. Tracey Emin is daring to expose her soul so completely that it is hard not to relate. Because after all isn't LOVE WHAT YOU WANT?

I cried, I laughed and I sensed myself through this exhibit. 

Neons

©Hayward Gallery

Be aware of the film "How it feels" from 1996 where she talks about her abortion. I sat there howling through the film (probably not unobserved). 

©Hayward Gallery

Tracey Emin is one of the most prominent British Artists of today. She came to light together with the YBA (Young British Artists) Sarah Lucas, Damien Hirst, Liam Gillick and others in the early 90's. 

©Hayward Gallery

These wonderful appliqued blankets tell their own stories:

"Why should I protect myself from you when you are the one that protects me."

"There's no one in this room who has not thought of killing"

"I don't expect to be a mother but I do expect to die alone"

"I want an international lover that loves me more than the world"

Sleeping with you, 2005

©Hayward Gallery

Her relationship with her Dad was a strong element in her life. I therefore would like to share a note that she wrote down in 2008, that I thought was especially moving. (Exhibited)

My dad went to Korea when he returned he said. Tracey these Budist are beautiful people. I went to one of their Temples and I made a prayer for you. I asked for you to be a wonderful artist.

He then gave me a gift from Mr. Kim. Daddy I said, it's a paper weight. No, he said it's a crown.

We go to see ART to feel.

Well, here is the ultimate show for that.

The HOTTEST tip for this summer.

You have to see (feel) this.

Wishing you a great weekend!

With Love

Kristin