On My Knees

About This Work

Tracey Emin's "On My Knees," a print created in 2021, encapsulates the deeply personal and confessional nature that is a hallmark of Emin's broader practice. This work, like much of Emin's oeuvre, draws upon the artist’s inner world and lived experiences, establishing a profound connection between the personal and the universal. Though the title, "On My Knees," suggests a posture of vulnerability and supplication, its ambiguity also evokes strength and resilience, themes that frequently permeate Emin's narrative-driven artworks. Emin emerged from the vibrant scene of Young British Artists (YBAs) alongside Damien Hirst and Sarah Lucas, crafting a bold, autobiographical style that challenges the boundaries of traditional art forms. Her early initiatives, like the creation of a store in Bethnal Green with Lucas, set the stage for a career that seamlessly integrates elements of the mundane and the monumental. Her capacity to weave humor and irony is evident from her first major exhibition "My Major Retrospective" at the White Cube gallery, where she introduced viewers to an intimate portrayal of her life’s fragments. This approach, blending personal artifacts with narrative art, laid the groundwork for subsequent seminal works such as My Bed, which earned her a place on the Turner Prize shortlist in 1999. Emin's art often blurs the lines between various mediums, be it through performance art, as demonstrated during her U.S. tour where she read autobiographical texts, or through installation pieces like the now-destroyed tent in "Minky Manky". Such versatility is at play in her print work, including "On My Knees," which employs delicate, yet assertive mark-making to convey a powerful narrative. The print’s surface navigates the intersection of intimacy and public discourse, resonating with the artist's consistent exploration of identity, relationships, and self-reflection. In terms of scale and medium, prints like "On My Knees" play a crucial role in translating Emin’s emotive vision from conceptual installations to a form that is both accessible and immediate. While the print may lack the physicality of three-dimensional installations, it retains Emin’s raw emotional potency, inviting viewers into a space of contemplation and connection. The interplay of text and imagery within the print likely serves as an intimate dialogue, a testament to Emin's unique ability to distill complex emotions into singular visual expressions. "On My Knees" is a poignant addition to the Zebra One Gallery collection, embodying the spirit of introspection and innovation that the gallery has celebrated throughout its distinguished 50-year history.

About the Artist

In 1993, in the former London borough of Bethnal Green, Emin and fellow artist Lucas opened a store where they sold their own handmade items. One of Emin’s earliest exhibitions took place in 1993–94 at the influential White Cube gallery on Duke Street (1993–2002). The show, ironically titled “My Ma...

Zebra One Gallery

Contemporary Art • Hampstead, London

Established 1976 • 50 years of excellence in contemporary art • Professional authentication and provenance research