Tracey Emin Says My Bed Would Be ‘Tidy, Clean and Boring’ Today

Published: 27 February 2026. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online

Renowned British artist Tracey Emin has reflected on her iconic 1998 artwork My Bed, admitting that if she were to create the piece today, it would likely be “tidy, clean and boring.” The confession comes as Emin prepares for upcoming exhibitions and discusses how her approach to art has evolved over more than three decades.

My Bed, which famously displayed the artist’s unmade bed along with personal items such as stained sheets, condoms, and slippers, became a defining piece of Young British Artists (YBA) culture, attracting both acclaim and controversy. The installation, which was shortlisted for the Turner Prize, challenged conventional ideas of art and intimacy, offering a raw and unfiltered glimpse into Emin’s personal life.

In a recent interview, Emin reflected on the ways her artistic style has matured: “Back then, I wanted to shock, to provoke, to be completely honest. Today, I feel I’d approach it differently — more structured, more polished, and less raw. It wouldn’t have the same chaotic energy.” She described this shift as part of a broader evolution in her creative process, influenced by experience, age, and reflection.

Art critics note that Emin’s acknowledgment underscores the role of context in artistic creation. The 1990s cultural climate, which embraced transgressive and confessional art, allowed works like My Bed to resonate powerfully. Today, the expectations of audiences and galleries are different, and Emin suggests that her art would likely conform more to contemporary aesthetic norms, losing some of the immediacy and shock value that made it a landmark piece.

Despite her self-reflection, Emin continues to be celebrated as a trailblazing figure in contemporary art, with exhibitions showcasing her paintings, neon works, and sculptures. Her candid commentary on My Bed also offers insight into the interplay between personal experience and artistic expression, illustrating how artists evolve alongside their work.

Fans and art historians continue to revisit My Bed, which remains a symbol of confessional, boundary-pushing art, reflecting both the spirit of its era and Emin’s lasting influence on British and international contemporary art.

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