This weeks featured artist is Tracey Emin an English artist that sparked original controversy in the art industry when her infamous ‘My bed’ was nominated for the prestigious Turner prize in 1999.
Emin’s piece ‘My bed’ was before its time being produced in the late 90’s it was one of many originals that ignited a shift in traditional art mediums to push the boundaries and find new modern ways of expression that weren’t bound to a canvas.
Tracey Emin describes her relationship with alcoholism and depression and how the two co-exist with one another in her mind. The work does well to depict two taboo societal issues that were and still are prevalent in the context of production. The artist expresses her emotions of disgust and shame that was felt by acknowledging how bad she had let her living situation get because of her crippling mental health.
‘My bed’ depicts the artists inner most personal living habits during a time of her personal struggles with both depression and alcoholism. Tracey Emin opens up about her struggles with mental health and addiction and how art became an outlet for self-expression that led to the artists own validation of central issues consuming her mentality.
The work exhibits an unmade bed surrounded by bedroom mess and clutter. The work is symbolic of the artists personal struggles with hygiene during times of mental exhaustion.
What I love about Emin’s ‘My bed’ is that it is a true depiction of what many face in times of mental instability, exhibiting a situation that is often not shown accurately in mainstream media.
The work depicts the reality millions dealing with depression face thus being that when the mind is not being kept clean, that dirtiness seeps into every aspect of existence.
The work encourages the audience to think about their own mental health while acting as a point of reference where audiences can either find validation in not being alone in their struggles, or education in understanding the issues that stem from depression and alcoholism.
If you feel as though yourself or someone you know needs help with addiction or mental health here are some great resources:
Emin, T. (1999). My Bed.