Tracey Emin says her artwork My Bed would be 'tidy, clean and boring' if she made it today
BBC World
February 26, 2026
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Dame Tracey Emin, the renowned British artist known for her provocative works, has reflected on her iconic 1998 Turner Prize-nominated sculpture *My Bed*. The piece, which depicts a chaotic bedroom scene with items like stained sheets, condoms, and cigarette butts, caused significant controversy when first displayed at London's Tate Gallery. Now, over two decades later, Emin shared that if she recreated the artwork today, it would be "tidy," "clean," and "boring," emphasizing her evolution as an artist and a person. The sculpture is currently on loan to Tate Modern for a retrospective titled *Tracey Emin: A Second Life*, reigniting discussions about its cultural impact and personal significance.
Emin revealed that *My Bed* was a deeply personal creation, born out of a dark period in her life when she felt suicidal. She admitted feeling "disgusted and repulsed" by the messiness of the bed but acknowledged it as something that kept her alive during a tumultuous time. The artist reflected on how seeing the piece again moved her to tears, highlighting its profound emotional weight and historical importance in her career.
In a candid discussion with BBC reporter Laura Kuenssberg, Emin shared regrets about her past habits, such as smoking and promiscuous teenage encounters. She expressed a newfound sense of responsibility to speak out about these issues, driven by her brushes with mortality and the realization that her art could address societal taboos like child abuse, abortion, depression, and suicide in a non-judgmental way. Emin's evolution from a rebellious figure to someone with "a louder voice" underscores her commitment to using her platform for meaningful dialogue.
The retrospective not only celebrates Emin's artistic journey but also invites viewers to reflect on the broader societal issues she addresses through her work.
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Originally published on BBC World on 2/26/2026