Artist Tracey Emin is returning to Tate Modern in London for a major retrospective exhibition titled “Tracey Emin: A Second Life” [1].

The exhibition marks a significant moment for the artist by revisiting her most provocative works and providing context for the personal objects that defined her early career. It allows the public to engage with the evolution of her style and the raw, autobiographical nature of her practice.

Central to the exhibition is a behind-the-scenes look at the 1998 installation known as “My Bed” [2]. The piece consists of an assemblage of personal items and debris, reflecting a period of emotional distress. Emin said, “My Bed is like a crime scene” [3].

The installation originally gained notoriety for its uncompromising depiction of intimacy and depression. Reflecting on the work from a current perspective, Emin said, “If I made My Bed today it would be tidy, clean, and boring” [4].

The retrospective is scheduled to open at the London gallery in February 2026. While some reports indicate an opening date of Feb. 23 [5], others list the start date as Feb. 27 [6]. The event is coordinated with the Tracey Emin Studio, with Creative Director Harry Weller assisting in the presentation of the artist's vision [1].

By showcasing “My Bed” within the context of “A Second Life,” the gallery highlights the transition from the shock tactics of the Young British Artists era to Emin's more recent explorations of mortality and memory. The display emphasizes the specific personal objects that make the installation a visceral record of a human experience [1].

“"My Bed is like a crime scene."”

The retrospective signals a shift in how Emin's work is curated, moving from the initial shock value of the 1990s toward a legacy-building phase. By re-examining 'My Bed' through the lens of 'A Second Life,' the exhibition contextualizes the work as a historical marker of the Young British Artists movement while reflecting the artist's own maturation and changing perspective on her past.