Tracey Emin painting. Photo: Harry Weller.
‘Every image has first entered my mind, travelled through my heart, my blood – arriving at the end of my hand. Everything has come through me’ Tracey Emin.
Martin Gayford, art critic, curator and author returns to ARTscapades to talk about his new book, My Heart is This: Tracey Emin on Painting, a vivid and intimate portrait of her life and work in her own words and based on their conversations.
For many years, Martin Gayford has known Dame Tracey Emin, one of the most widely admired artists working in Britain today, and this presentation will offer a uniquely personal insight into the artist’s extraordinary life and career, on learning to paint, in living her life after cancer, and relearning why painting matters above everything else. Join us as he discusses 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.
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 on the book when ordered through their website (UK orders only).
Publication coincides with a major exhibition of Tracey Emin’s work at Tate Modern, Tracey Emin: A Second Life from 27 February to 31 August 2026.
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.