Dated: 18/06/2007

Tracey Emin

Press Release

New exhibition at York Art Gallery: October 6, 2007 - January 27, 2008

The work of one of the most popular and controversial artists in Britain will go on show at York Art Gallery this autumn.

The exhibition entitled Tracey Emin with feature works on paper, photography and textiles, all of which have been generously loaned to the gallery from a private collector in Yorkshire.

The exhibitions launch coincides with Emin's new show for the British Pavilion at this year's Venice Biennale.

Caroline Worthington, curator of art at the gallery, said: "Emin is one of the most well known artists in recent years and for good reason. Her autobiographic works challenge people and force a reaction while at the same time offering us a glimpse of her very personal world.

"We are delighted to be able to show this selection of compelling works in public thanks to the kindness of a Yorkshire collector. It is a rare chance for people to see these works and get that little bit closer to the artist herself."

The small selection of art that will go on show include etchings, lithographic prints, screen prints, textiles and photography. Among them are a portrait of Kate Moss and works such as Self Portrait 12-11-01, 2001, Little Owl Self Portrait, 2005, Sometimes I Feel Lonely But Its OK, 2002 and 1623, a Handbag for Longchamp, 2004.

Although well known in art circles for some time, Emin first became widely known after she swore and insulted other guests during a debate in 1997 about the Turner Prize. Two years later she was short listed for the Turner Prize with her controversial piece entitled My Bed. The unmade dirty bed caused a furore in the media, with Emin quickly becoming one of the countrys most controversial artists. .

Other famous pieces such as Everyone I have Ever Slept With, a tent with the names of those she had shared a bed with, along with being made Royal Academician by the Royal Academy of Arts earlier this year, confirmed Emin as one of the most influential and well known artists of her generation.

This summer the British Council selected her to create a show of new and past works for the British Pavilion at the Venice Biennale, a major art exhibition that take splace every two years. Emin is only the second woman ever to be asked to submit a solo show for the UK.

ENDS