Friday, May 20, 2011

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

19 comments:

  1. Hello Kristin:
    Too often Tracey Emin has been too readily dismissed. This very sensitive review of the current retrospective redresses the balance. Would that we were in London to see it.

    Have an enjoyable weekend.

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  2. Very cool exhibit!

    Happy weekend, darling!

    xoxox,
    CC

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  3. AWESOME STUFF, HAPPY WEEKEND!!!
    XX

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  4. Très beau, très personnel et sensible témoignage de votre part.
    Vous êtes très convaincante et vous nous offrez la possibilité d' adhérer à l' art d' Emin.
    J' ai vraiment envie de découvrir plus en profondeur son travail d' artiste !
    Merci beaucoup !

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  5. These art pieces look absolutely wonderful!

    http://samalamode.blogspot.com

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  6. Oh wow, those blankets are amazing! I hadn't seen them before, so thanks:)

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  7. it sounds and looks incredible. I hope to be lucky enough to see one of her exhibitions one day.
    Have a great w/end
    xo

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  8. oh this is just the best review ever!

    and of course, love is all i want!!!!

    have a beautiful weekend :)

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  9. well your blog really is a world of art, what a passion you have and fine shares to enjoy while visiting! thanks for your comment lades, most appreciated!

    i'm thinking that precursor to the gallery was definitely a tasty treat and grand way to begin the night. i love the blankets and all the installations are brill! happy weekend to you too. ♥

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  10. It's interesting seeing the artist and how similar/different they can appear through their work!

    Have fun at the V&A this weekend!

    xoxo,
    Chic 'n Cheap Living

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  11. Thank you for helping us feel the emotion behind that exhibit!

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  12. such cool fixtures! i love the light ones.

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  13. Oh my, what an interesting concept for an exhibition!

    Leia

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  14. I have chills after reading your review. My god, how I relate to this woman.
    The appliqued blankets wowed me. I love that kind of raw, powerful art.
    Thank you Kristen for exposing me once again to art.

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  15. Those pieces are incredible. I really love them. Have a fantastic evening, my dear
    kisses

    Ps: I’m hosting a cute scarf GIVEAWAY today! Just in time for summer!

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  16. wow i am intrigued by her! i want to experience her!

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  17. it's hard to say w/o seeing them in person, but the lightworks remind me of pietro roccasalva's jockey full of bourbon.....

    hope you're enjoying the UK.

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