![](https://white-cube.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/uploads/Exhibitions/Online-Exhibitions/2020/Tracey-Emin-I-thrive-in-Solitude/alt-hero-image-v3.webp?w=960&h=720&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1715611522&s=eda2d17ba78b2408459ab388f86363aa 960w, https://white-cube.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/uploads/Exhibitions/Online-Exhibitions/2020/Tracey-Emin-I-thrive-in-Solitude/alt-hero-image-v3.webp?w=1200&h=900&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1715611522&s=003fa9b5ab56f840fd6cfe994eb15d53 1200w)
I Thrive on Solitude
Tracey Emin
15 June – 2 August 2020
During a period of isolation in her London home, Tracey Emin made a series of works that offer insight into the sanctuary of the domestic realm. Focusing on a range of intimate interior spaces, these small paintings are concise studies that, for Emin, represent a ‘transference of emotions and place’.
After twenty years living in the same house, the artist is on the brink of leaving it for a new home. The memories and her sense of belonging, coupled with feelings of anticipation and the prospect of adventure, coalesce in these works. A glimpsed domestic object, such as a chair or bed, takes shape like an elusive recollection, while the bath, a familiar trope in art history, provides the private setting for intimate reflection. An air of stillness and tranquillity pervade the scenes, embodied by the figure reclining contentedly in the quietude.
Tracey Emin
Thriving on Solitude, 2020
Tracey Emin
A Different Time - May 2020, 2020
![](https://white-cube.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/uploads/Exhibitions/Online-Exhibitions/2020/Tracey-Emin-I-thrive-in-Solitude/Copyright-Tracey-Emin-3.jpg?w=720&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1715611521&s=dd631794c79bd6185f7a18dae5043d90 720w, https://white-cube.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/uploads/Exhibitions/Online-Exhibitions/2020/Tracey-Emin-I-thrive-in-Solitude/Copyright-Tracey-Emin-3.jpg?w=960&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1715611521&s=55f97bdb2cb0044a61c5469c46879b50 960w, https://white-cube.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/uploads/Exhibitions/Online-Exhibitions/2020/Tracey-Emin-I-thrive-in-Solitude/Copyright-Tracey-Emin-3.jpg?w=1280&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1715611521&s=72543144bbc5ae57f640d1c7fa747db8 1280w, https://white-cube.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/uploads/Exhibitions/Online-Exhibitions/2020/Tracey-Emin-I-thrive-in-Solitude/Copyright-Tracey-Emin-3.jpg?w=1600&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1715611521&s=c70b9ceed2bc7c4dcebfba230c2befb1 1600w, https://white-cube.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/uploads/Exhibitions/Online-Exhibitions/2020/Tracey-Emin-I-thrive-in-Solitude/Copyright-Tracey-Emin-3.jpg?w=2360&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1715611521&s=5568f904c5783b035d7002099c47a092 2360w)
Testament to her emotional connection to the house, Emin refers to the works as a ‘thumbprint of my time being here’. They encapsulate not only the anticipation of physical relocation, but also a psychological repositioning, through which she can envisage a new destiny. By allowing herself the freedom to embrace change, there is renewed purpose and determination in her outlook. In this sense, these works represent a subliminal shift from one state of being to another: ‘The paintings move from one house to the next, like a channel through my mind.’
Tracey Emin
The Kiss, 2020
Tracey Emin
My Mums Ashes and The Ghost of Docket, 2020
Tracey Emin
My Mums Ashes - In the Ashes Room, 2020
![](https://white-cube.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/uploads/Exhibitions/Online-Exhibitions/2020/Tracey-Emin-I-thrive-in-Solitude/Copyright-Tracey-Emin-5.jpeg?w=720&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1715611522&s=f5b77e594aa1992cca5914a309e98aa1 720w, https://white-cube.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/uploads/Exhibitions/Online-Exhibitions/2020/Tracey-Emin-I-thrive-in-Solitude/Copyright-Tracey-Emin-5.jpeg?w=960&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1715611522&s=fa92786c47722c69db8f3a06e0f40a62 960w, https://white-cube.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/uploads/Exhibitions/Online-Exhibitions/2020/Tracey-Emin-I-thrive-in-Solitude/Copyright-Tracey-Emin-5.jpeg?w=1280&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1715611522&s=97f66a36a1bfa4c771c8384d150f8ddc 1280w, https://white-cube.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/uploads/Exhibitions/Online-Exhibitions/2020/Tracey-Emin-I-thrive-in-Solitude/Copyright-Tracey-Emin-5.jpeg?w=1600&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1715611522&s=f8221cafae2c2f5b16757ca8d9bfa03b 1600w, https://white-cube.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/uploads/Exhibitions/Online-Exhibitions/2020/Tracey-Emin-I-thrive-in-Solitude/Copyright-Tracey-Emin-5.jpeg?w=2360&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1715611522&s=9ea590eeef9c7f766bed532ae9028604 2360w)
The intimate scale of the paintings determines the concentrated intensity of the compositions, with a controlled energy of spirit. Content to be in secret seclusion, the reposed figure in the works appears at peace, with itself and its past. The exhibition’s title hints at this equanimity, rejecting the stigma normally associated with being alone and in silence. In solitude, there is also the opportunity to think, recollect and dream. For Emin, these works mark the transition into a resolutely optimistic future – one in which to flourish and grow.
Tracey Emin
Sleeping with the night, 2020
Tracey Emin
5 Hours, 2020
Tracey Emin
I Dream of Being Here With You, 2020
Tracey Emin
A Message From the Gods in Advance - December 2019, 2019
Tracey Emin
5 Hours Long - With you in my mind, 2020
Tracey Emin
More Solitude, 2014
![](https://white-cube.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/uploads/Exhibitions/Online-Exhibitions/2020/Tracey-Emin-I-thrive-in-Solitude/more-solitude-1005.webp?w=720&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1715611522&s=1c98acf558b9ce4efe4a8f16ffb23d8f 720w, https://white-cube.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/uploads/Exhibitions/Online-Exhibitions/2020/Tracey-Emin-I-thrive-in-Solitude/more-solitude-1005.webp?w=960&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1715611522&s=3ef18d4892a6e1239c7ba7111aec35b0 960w, https://white-cube.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/uploads/Exhibitions/Online-Exhibitions/2020/Tracey-Emin-I-thrive-in-Solitude/more-solitude-1005.webp?w=1280&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1715611522&s=cd3809b0d207ab59f22ec1a4125d98b4 1280w, https://white-cube.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/uploads/Exhibitions/Online-Exhibitions/2020/Tracey-Emin-I-thrive-in-Solitude/more-solitude-1005.webp?w=1600&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1715611522&s=24c84b83d2fd08576c21a9603b7ec084 1600w, https://white-cube.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/uploads/Exhibitions/Online-Exhibitions/2020/Tracey-Emin-I-thrive-in-Solitude/more-solitude-1005.webp?w=2360&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1715611522&s=6d9d3a7ab1a6651bed1d2ea369d256b2 2360w)
![](https://white-cube.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/uploads/Exhibitions/Online-Exhibitions/2020/Tracey-Emin-I-thrive-in-Solitude/more-solitude-2006.webp?w=720&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1715611522&s=36bd2ca2b70d14ec6cb4e276b1e83ce4 720w, https://white-cube.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/uploads/Exhibitions/Online-Exhibitions/2020/Tracey-Emin-I-thrive-in-Solitude/more-solitude-2006.webp?w=960&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1715611522&s=316d5fac1fbe72451c8f1b703390d763 960w, https://white-cube.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/uploads/Exhibitions/Online-Exhibitions/2020/Tracey-Emin-I-thrive-in-Solitude/more-solitude-2006.webp?w=1280&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1715611522&s=81f05a45bae6021186495047c26d242f 1280w, https://white-cube.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/uploads/Exhibitions/Online-Exhibitions/2020/Tracey-Emin-I-thrive-in-Solitude/more-solitude-2006.webp?w=1600&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1715611522&s=d8ec9d05ac5b416ff1251fabd654e463 1600w, https://white-cube.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/uploads/Exhibitions/Online-Exhibitions/2020/Tracey-Emin-I-thrive-in-Solitude/more-solitude-2006.webp?w=2360&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1715611522&s=b79f2a4d9eb4367caeabb28412df58a9 2360w)
![](https://white-cube.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/uploads/Exhibitions/Online-Exhibitions/2020/Tracey-Emin-I-thrive-in-Solitude/more-solitude-3007.webp?w=720&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1715611522&s=5ec0e29e0bac6a1bd029298d8c76a7b5 720w, https://white-cube.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/uploads/Exhibitions/Online-Exhibitions/2020/Tracey-Emin-I-thrive-in-Solitude/more-solitude-3007.webp?w=960&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1715611522&s=942217575bdf5972adf139054f1cabff 960w, https://white-cube.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/uploads/Exhibitions/Online-Exhibitions/2020/Tracey-Emin-I-thrive-in-Solitude/more-solitude-3007.webp?w=1280&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1715611522&s=4ba223ae99417d1280863e8a6d9ee154 1280w, https://white-cube.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/uploads/Exhibitions/Online-Exhibitions/2020/Tracey-Emin-I-thrive-in-Solitude/more-solitude-3007.webp?w=1600&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1715611522&s=882654a0150cad95ed2522469dc57359 1600w, https://white-cube.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/uploads/Exhibitions/Online-Exhibitions/2020/Tracey-Emin-I-thrive-in-Solitude/more-solitude-3007.webp?w=2360&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1715611522&s=98d9ae799f8251458509cf8d594aa677 2360w)
![](https://white-cube.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/uploads/Exhibitions/Online-Exhibitions/2020/Tracey-Emin-I-thrive-in-Solitude/more-solitude-4008.webp?w=720&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1715611521&s=921c60681f41db1c6d0a9c446755ee8c 720w, https://white-cube.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/uploads/Exhibitions/Online-Exhibitions/2020/Tracey-Emin-I-thrive-in-Solitude/more-solitude-4008.webp?w=960&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1715611521&s=c075c69a3c25ab62a71f92dfa82a6836 960w, https://white-cube.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/uploads/Exhibitions/Online-Exhibitions/2020/Tracey-Emin-I-thrive-in-Solitude/more-solitude-4008.webp?w=1280&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1715611521&s=8b64998f072893c33e9691c528f723ad 1280w, https://white-cube.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/uploads/Exhibitions/Online-Exhibitions/2020/Tracey-Emin-I-thrive-in-Solitude/more-solitude-4008.webp?w=1600&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1715611521&s=e0b5c2c3be5fef795dcc340a10676091 1600w, https://white-cube.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/uploads/Exhibitions/Online-Exhibitions/2020/Tracey-Emin-I-thrive-in-Solitude/more-solitude-4008.webp?w=2360&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1715611521&s=3831c9f4ab49333208e366225e17709c 2360w)
![It is like a dream, 2022](https://white-cube.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/uploads/Headers/Tracey-Emin-It-is-like-a-dream-2022-high-res.jpg?w=720&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1681402503&s=9196f060dded6f2e0a27e8396b68f9ab 720w, https://white-cube.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/uploads/Headers/Tracey-Emin-It-is-like-a-dream-2022-high-res.jpg?w=960&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1681402503&s=9125c65ec6dd3b06615a5860ac9f60f3 960w, https://white-cube.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/uploads/Headers/Tracey-Emin-It-is-like-a-dream-2022-high-res.jpg?w=1280&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1681402503&s=19f91bcd99bb045f919647521e6d87f4 1280w, https://white-cube.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/uploads/Headers/Tracey-Emin-It-is-like-a-dream-2022-high-res.jpg?w=1600&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1681402503&s=9f6eff0d707a0ec19776d85246bdee93 1600w, https://white-cube.transforms.svdcdn.com/production/uploads/Headers/Tracey-Emin-It-is-like-a-dream-2022-high-res.jpg?w=2000&q=80&auto=format&fit=crop&crop=focalpoint&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&dm=1681402503&s=8ced4c7f8b62dd4ca9f005b610ce397f 2000w)
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