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What is the name of the exhibition showcasing Tracey Emin's work, including 'My Bed,' at Tate Modern from February 27 to August 31, 2026?

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Tracey Emin - current events illustration
Tracey Emin — current events

The exhibition showcasing the work of acclaimed British artist Tracey Emin at Tate Modern from February 27 to August 31, 2026, is titled "Tracey Emin: A Second Life." This major retrospective presents over 90 pieces spanning four decades of Emin's career, offering a comprehensive look at her distinctive autobiographical approach to art. The inclusion of her iconic work, 'My Bed,' is a significant highlight of the show, which explores themes of love, trauma, vulnerability, and resilience.

'My Bed,' created in 1998, remains one of Emin's most famous and controversial pieces. It features her own unmade, disheveled bed, surrounded by intimate detritus such as soiled sheets, empty vodka bottles, cigarette butts, and condoms. This raw and unflinching self-portrait of a period of depression and turmoil in Emin's life caused a sensation when it was first exhibited and was shortlisted for the Turner Prize in 1999, sparking widespread debate about the nature of art. Its return to Tate Modern for "A Second Life" allows viewers to reconsider its impact and meaning within the broader context of Emin's artistic journey.

Tracey Emin rose to prominence as part of the Young British Artists (YBAs) movement in the 1990s, gaining recognition for her confessional and often provocative works across various media, including painting, drawing, sculpture, and neon text. Her art is deeply personal, transforming intimate experiences into powerful artistic statements that explore the human condition. The title "A Second Life" for this exhibition alludes to Emin's evolution as an artist, particularly after surviving a serious illness, and showcases how her recent works emphasize vulnerability, survival, and existential themes.