Tracey Emin painting. Photo: Harry Welled.
Martin Gayford, art critic, curator and author returns to the ARTscapades audience to talk about his new book, My Heart is This: Tracey Emin on Painting. Martin has known Dame Tracey Emin for many years, and this presentation will offer a uniquely personal insight into the artist’s extraordinary life and career, illustrated with photographs of the artist and her work. Martin will talk about Emin’s work and reflections on painting – how she approaches it, why it is fundamental to her life and art – and what makes a truly powerful picture.
Tracey Emin DBE RA is known for autobiographical and confessional artwork. She produces work in a variety of media including drawing, painting, sculpture, film, photography, neon text and sewn appliqué. A major exhibition or her work opens at Tate Modern from 27 February to 31 August 2026.
Martin Gayford is the author of Man with a Blue Scarf: On Sitting for a Portrait by Lucian Freud, A Bigger Message: Conversations with David Hockney, How Painting Happens (and why it matters), Venice: City of Pictures and Love Lucian: The Letters of Lucian Freud, 1939 –1954, and acclaimed books on Van Gogh, Constable and Michaelangelo.
My Heart is This: Tracey Emin on Painting by Martin Gayford is published by Thames & Hudson (February 2026) ticket holders will receive a special offer discount on the book when ordered through their website. (UK orders only).
This event will be recorded. Ticket holders are emailed a link to view the recording afterwards which is available for one month. Proceeds from ARTscapades ticket sales benefit museums, galleries and other arts-based organisations and projects.
This is an online event hosted on Zoom which can be watched live with Q&A, or on-demand for one month afterwards. You will receive your link to access the event in your email confirmation and the on-demand link after the event ends.