Tracey Emin opens up about cancer diagnosis after undergoing surgery

The artist’s cancer is now in remission

Tracey Emin on 27 June 2014 at an auction house exhibition next to her 1998 piece ‘My Bed' (AP)

Tracey Emin has revealed she was diagnosed with cancer and is now in remission after undergoing surgery.

The artist, 57, told Artnet she was working on a semi-abstract painting when the illness was discovered. That painting ended up representing a malignant tumour similar to the one later found in her body.

“It’s exactly the same as my bladder with the tumour in it, before I knew I had the cancer – it’s brilliant!” she told the publication. 

Emin, who is best known for seminal works such as the 1998 My Bed and the 1995 Everyone I Have Ever Slept With 1963–1995, received the diagnosis in the spring.

She underwent an operation in the summer, during which many of her reproductive organs were removed. The artist has also been fitted with a stoma bag.

Tracey Emin’s 1998 piece ‘My Bed’ on display at an auction house exhibition space in central London on 27 June 2014 (AP Photo/Lefteris Pitarakis)

Emin has not had the energy to paint yet, but said she has taken photographs of her body for an “existential” project. 

Through treatment, she worked on a new collection, which will open this month at two locations in Brussels. Titled Details of Love, the project features paintings completed this year and last, as well as drawings Emin made while on lockdown.

In the same interview, Emin reflected on the #MeToo movement and the criticism she has faced in the past for the ways she spoke out about trauma and female pain.

“Now, there is a language for women to express themselves, thanks to #MeToo,” she said.

“It's good that times are catching up, but I wish I hadn't been accused of being narcissistic back then.”

Additional reporting by PA