Tracey Emin Unveils New Lithographs at London Art Fair & Tate Modern
Tracey Emin’s New Print Series and London Exhibitions
By Marie-Louise Gumuchian
Introduction to “I Need tomorrow”
LONDON, May 14 (Reuters) – British artist Tracey Emin tells a love story with a new series of prints she says is “a gift” to herself.
“I Need tomorrow” comprises six intimate lithographs depicting the artist, world famous for her raw, confessional art.
Exhibition Details
They are on show at the London Original Print Fair at London’s Somerset House until Sunday.
Tate Modern Exhibition: “A Second Life”
The display overlaps with a landmark exhibition spanning 40 years of Emin’s work at London’s Tate Modern until August 31. Entitled “A Second Life”, the Tate show features some of her most famous pieces, including the 1998 installation “My Bed” – a dishevelled bed surrounded by empty alcohol bottles, cigarette butts and condoms, which caused sensation when first exhibited.
The Creative Process Behind the Lithographs
“I was doing a print for the Tate…and I did it and we were waiting to proof it. And while I was waiting…I said, ‘Oh I’m just going to do another plate’. And then I started and then I carried on,” Emin told Reuters at the fair.
“I can’t tell you how happy it made me doing it, because I feel like I haven’t done any new work for ages…So it just…took me by surprise and I ended with this suite of prints, which I honestly like a lot and I’m very happy with because…it’s like a gift to me.”
Personal Themes and Artistic Approach
Exploring Trauma, Loss, and Relationships
TRAUMA, LOSS, ABUSE, RELATIONSHIPS
Over the course of her career, Emin has won critical acclaim for her honesty in addressing trauma, loss, abuse and relationships.
Mediums and Printmaking
Her range includes painting, drawing, sculpture, installation, neon and photography, as well as printmaking that she studied as part of her fine art degree.
Emin said she enjoyed the “alchemy…and the magic” of making prints.
“These prints are full of energy and full of life, brush marks, everything,” she said. “And I say, if only I could paint like this, I’d be so happy.”
Collaboration and Production
Emin worked on the lithographs, which are published in editions of 50, with print publisher Counter Editions in the southern English seaside town of Margate, where she lives.
The Meaning Behind “I Need tomorrow”
“We all need tomorrow…we need it in a sign of hope,” she said of the portfolio’s title.
“Because after being so ill for a long time, it’s good that I know that tomorrow will come for me and I don’t have to be worried about it. So the title is very significant, but it’s a love story, the whole thing.”
Health, Resilience, and Future Plans
Overcoming Illness
Emin was diagnosed with bladder cancer in 2020. She underwent major surgery and lives with a stoma bag.
Looking Ahead
Asked how she was feeling after a busy start to 2026, she said she was a “bit tired” but had plenty of upcoming plans this year with her Tracey Emin Foundation in Margate.
“I’m busy, but I love it…Art is looking after me, so I’m pleased.”
(Reporting by Marie-Louise Gumuchian; editing by Barbara Lewis)
