Tracey Emin's Intestinal Crisis: Recuperating in Thailand
British artist Tracey Emin is currently recuperating in Thailand following a close call with her small intestine, which almost ruptured
Renowned British artist Tracey Emin has shared that she is currently in recovery after nearly experiencing a life-threatening situation with her small intestine. After undergoing surgery to battle aggressive bladder cancer in 2020, Emin stated that she began feeling extremely unwell while traveling.
In an Instagram post published on Sunday, she shared, "It's not cancer, but rather severe complications in my intestines caused by an infection and scar tissue, which were exacerbated by flying. My small intestine was on the verge of bursting. Thankfully, I was in Thailand on my way back from Australia, so I received treatment in a top-notch hospital. Now I am recuperating in a comfortable and luxurious setting."
Mary McCartney recently discussed her iconic photograph of Tracey Emin dressed as Frida Kahlo from 20 years ago, in anticipation of an upcoming exhibition of McCartney's work at Sotheby's next month.
Sotheby's
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Emin expressed her gratitude, "Despite using up another of my 9 lives, I feel incredibly fortunate. I am currently on a special diet and will resume my usual activities when fully recovered. It is an amazing feeling to be in love, free from pain, and fully aware of my good fortune." The 60-year-old artist gained widespread recognition in 1998 with her candid and provocative installation, "My Bed."
The bed, a contender for the Turner Prize and ultimately sold for over $4 million, offered a glimpse into Emin's personal life, littered with used condoms, dirty underwear, and a filled ashtray. By 2000, Emin had become a prominent figure in the Young British Artists (YBA) movement, recognized for her candid, confessional artworks such as a tent adorned with the names of all her past sexual partners.
She continues to be one of the most well-known living artists in Britain and has been candid about her battles with health issues.
Emin has disclosed that the squamous-cell bladder cancer she was diagnosed with in 2020 had also taken the life of her mother in 2016.
In a previous interview with CNN, Emin recounted how she was alone in her studio when the doctor phoned her with the result.
"I laughed. I laughed. I was shocked," she said of her initial reaction.
David Parry/ Royal Academy of Arts
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"I had a strong feeling that I might not survive. It all depended on the surgery. Fortunately, I had an amazing surgeon," she recounted.
Emin endured a six-and-a-half-hour surgical procedure during which a team of 12 surgeons removed her bladder, urethra, uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries, part of her colon, and part of her vagina. However, the critical revelation was that the cancer had not spread to her lymph nodes. Her bravery and openness about her experience propelled her into the spotlight, earning her coverage on the front pages of newspapers and praise from cancer charities for her candidness.
She stated, "I've experienced many difficult things in my life, and they have prepared me for this moment. I have my sense of humor and my determination to keep going and survive."
This report includes contributions from CNN's Nick Glass and Lianne Kolirin.
