Tracey Emin's sculptures, known for their emotional depth and autobiographical elements, stand as pivotal components of her diverse body of work. Emin's transition into sculpture, particularly with bronze, reflects her continuous exploration of intimate and universal themes, from personal identity and sexuality to loss and longing.
One of her early public sculptures, "Roman Standard" (2005), symbolizes a quiet, yet powerful presence, embodying a subtle tribute to the mythical Liver Bird, the protector of Liverpool. This piece reflects Emin's desire to create a form of public art that diverges from traditional symbols of power, instead offering a moment of contemplation and a touch of magic and alchemy in the urban landscape. This work also hints at Emin's ongoing interest in merging the personal with the public, a theme recurrent in her subsequent sculptures (Sculpture).
Emin's large-scale bronze sculpture "When I sleep" (2018), located in the National Gallery of Australia's Sculpture Garden, further exemplifies her adeptness at conveying vulnerability and monumentality. Developed from smaller works, some hand-sized, the sculpture bears Emin's fingerprints enlarged across its surface, imbuing the work with a tangible sense of her presence. The piece, which depicts a figure in a state of collapse, challenges traditional heroic postures found in bronze sculptures, introducing a sense of fluidity and rest, evoking themes of sleep as a refuge from life's trials (National Gallery of Australia).
Another significant sculpture by Emin is "The Mother" (2022), a nine-meter-high bronze figure situated at Inger Munch's pier near the MUNCH museum in Oslo. This monumental work pays homage to Edvard Munch, particularly referencing the profound loss of his mother during his childhood. Emin conceived "The Mother" as a universal symbol of protection and unconditional love, drawing inspiration from her own mother and the broader concept of maternal care. The sculpture's placement, overlooking the sea and the museum, is emblematic of Emin's ability to create art that resonates on both personal and collective levels, inviting reflection on the complexities of human relationships and the enduring need for emotional security (Munchmuseet).
Emin's sculptures, whether exploring the nuances of individual experience or engaging with broader existential themes, consistently reflect her commitment to authenticity and emotional honesty. Through her work in bronze and other materials, Emin has contributed significantly to contemporary art's dialogue on the human condition, making her one of the most compelling artists of her generation.