Ali Smith on Tracy Emin

Visual Enquiry. Why do Artworks Need Labels.


Amazingly eloquent and convincing stance on Tracy Emin's work, and the way she gives words and text a raw and original impact, knowingly unconscious, impulsively learned.

I find Emin is heartily disliked by people. I can see why - she often comes across as arrogant in the media, as if she is saving womankind by being open about abortions. I think Emin misunderstands her media personna, getting in the way of what her art actually says. I think she overexplains work - perhaps the danger of constantly being asked and having to create a workable personna.


Ali Smith
Smith, A. (2011) What you see is what I am, Review, Saturday Guardian, 7.5.2011, pp 16-17.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/artanddesign/2011/may/07/tracey-emin-ali-smith-hayward?INTCMP=SRCH




Reflection

What is said of Emin by Smith in this article is true, but Emin remains unliked amongst people generally, and some artists too. This does not prevent her artistic work valued by the artistic community in general, otherwise she would not be as known or as successful. The likeability factor- does it matter, or is this a feminist issue after all? Those who champion Emin speak of her as an untamed force, those who dislike her find her self obsessed and preachy. I remember seeing the bed, and finding it touching, honest and moving, like reading a teenage girl's diary full of dreams and disappointments.

In Emin's case, and as she projects herself and her work, the two are inextricable interlinked.

15th July 2011