On Wednesday, September 18, I attended the opening of Tracey Emin’s latest exhibition, “I Followed You to the End,” at White Cube Bermondsey. The gallery’s entrance space was full with visitors enjoying drinks in the designated front space, creating a lively atmosphere.

This new collection is quintessentially Emin, featuring her signature paintings and drawings done in a sketchy style and bearing her soul. The exhibition also includes two new bronze sculptures, one of which is monumental and quite striking. Its sheer size left me wondering how it was maneuvered into the gallery, a testament to White Cube’s expansive, museum-like space. Very impressive!

Emin’s show is undoubtedly one of the year’s most significant. The turnout was massive, reflecting her stature in the art world. Despite my admiration for Emin, I found myself grappling with mixed emotions about the exhibition. It successfully provokes thought and elicits raw emotions, with its themes of blood, vulnerability, and candid self-representation that are hallmarks of her work. However, the intensity at times felt overwhelming. Perhaps becase I had my own health scare issues lately, I was reminded of the fragility of life.

While many attendees were casually chatting and taking selfies in front of her pieces, I felt a sense of unease about this carefree attitude. How could someone be posing in front of such serious subject matter anyway? Nonetheless, I joined in, recognizing the importance documenting the work and the opening so below are a selction of my pictures from last week.

Emin’s art speaks profoundly about the fragility of the human condition, her painful life journey, loss, and mortality. Stylistically, I appreciate her bold, confrontational painting style.

I encourage you to visit the exhibition. It is a powerful and thought-provoking experience that should not be missed.

Tracey Emin I Followed You To The End 2024

White Cube Bermondsey 144-152 Bermondsey StLondonSE1 3TQ