Tracey Emin is paying heed to her roots, with her first solo exhibition in the little coastal town of Margate, where she grew up.

 

The exhibition includes drawings, watercolours, neons and tapestry, and as is often the case with Emin it is likely to be both loved and loathed.

 

A change of disposition is evident in these works, noticeably different to her often provocative pieces. Here she is quieter, more reflective, of both herself and her surroundings. A sense of calm exudes, resonating the reposeful seaside setting.

 

Emin has been open about the traumas she experienced while growing up, and has confronted these experiences throughout her work. But this time it is done with a calmness, a sense of endurance and a will to take into account both the dark and the light sides of love, sensuality and romanticism.

 

It will be interesting to see where this prolific artist goes from here.

Clementine Widdowson - de Pressigny