Performance 1994

Description

Tracey Emin’s reading is from her autobiographical book, “Exploration of the Soul.” She is traveling with a chair that she embroiders as she travels.

“One day – a kind of warm summer day – my mum – was running down the hill – screaming – my baby – my baby – what’s wrong with my baby – I was hung across her arms – my stomach – was about to explode I had on my pink and white striped nightie I felt my eyes rolling – and my head was gone – Paul was riding down the hill on his chopper bike. I remember the yellow – He was calling don’t worry sis Sis don’t worry – I’ll get him for you I’ll get him – In the hospital I had to shit into a toilet that had no chain – there was a hole in the bottom – that collected by shit – they put it into a little tub – the police woman was talking to me – but I kept kind of sleeping.

“Aunty Joyce was there – she was saying have you been naughty – mucking around – playing strange games – I don’t know – what strange games were – to me it was all real – I just lay there -my blood slowly moving around my body was I really all alive had not part of me died – my world existed outside of me – How could I explain this- to ascend – and keep ascending – Dear God I thought – every part of me is bleeding.

“I believe she is right – I’ve decided that this chair is my inheritance – an inheritance to my future. I have decorated the chair with patchwork, embroidery and applique. It tells the story of my life. I’ve written a book called ‘Exploration of the Soul’ which is about me – my beginning – from the moment of conception to the time I lost my virginity: age 0 – 13.

“I will travel across America by road from San Francisco to New York with the chair and copies of my book. I will be giving one-night performances reading my book in galleries and other venues.” -Tracey Emin

Artist Statement

A few years ago my Nan gave me a small green bucket-shaped armchair. It’s not that special to look at, in fact, it’s a bit shabby.  My Nan is ninety-three now and the chair is nearly as old as she is—when she gave me the chair she told me: 

“There’s a lot of money in chairs.”

I believe that she is right—I’ve decided that this chair is my inheritance—an inheritance to my future.  I have decorated the chair with patchwork, embroidery and appliqué.  It tells the story of my life.  I’ve written a book called Exploration of the Soul which is about me—my beginning—from the moment of conception to the time I lost my virginity: 0-13.  

I will travel across America by car to San Francisco from New York with the chair and copies of my book. I will be giving one-night performances reading my book in galleries and other venues.