Tracey Emin in Florence: “Sex and Solitude” at Palazzo Strozzi – A Must-See Contemporary Art Exhibition in Italy
Art lovers in Florence are in for a powerful and intimate experience with Tracey Emin in Florence Art Exhibition
Palazzo Strozzi, one of Italy’s most prestigious cultural institutions, is currently hosting the country’s first major institutional exhibition dedicated to Tracey Emin, one of the most provocative and celebrated voices in contemporary art. Titled “Tracey Emin. Sex and Solitude”, this groundbreaking exhibition is curated by Arturo Galansino and will be open until 20 July 2025.
Why You Must See “Tracey Emin: Sex and Solitude” in Florence
This powerful and deeply emotional exhibition offers visitors an immersive journey through over 60 works by Emin, encompassing her iconic paintings, drawings, neons, embroidery, film, sculpture, photography, and appliqué. The themes of sex, solitude, love, sacrifice, and vulnerability run through the entire exhibition, confronting viewers with raw expressions of human emotion.
Among the standout works on view at Tracey Emin in Florence “Sex and Solitude” Contemporary Art Exhibition:
• The monumental bronze sculpture I Followed You to the End (2024), dramatically placed in the Renaissance courtyard of Palazzo Strozzi.
• The seminal installation Exorcism of the Last Painting I Ever Made (1996), displayed in Italy for the first time.
• Newly created pieces, including the neon Sex and Solitude that glows hauntingly on the Palazzo’s facade.
Open daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Thursdays until 11 p.m., this exhibition is not just a visit—it’s an encounter with the intimate layers of Emin’s soul and, in many ways, your own.
Who Is Tracey Emin?
Tracey Emin (b. 1963, London) emerged as a leading figure among the Young British Artists (YBAs) in the 1990s. Her breakthrough came with controversial and emotionally raw pieces such as “Everyone I Have Ever Slept With 1963–1995” and her Turner Prize-nominated “My Bed”—a disheveled, deeply personal installation that turned a private space into public art.
Known for drawing from her own life experiences, Emin uses her art to confront themes such as trauma, sexuality, grief, and desire. Her work is autobiographical but strikes universal chords, often compared to the emotional intensity found in artists like Edvard Munch and Egon Schiele, whom she cites as major influences.
Emin has exhibited in major institutions worldwide, including:
• The Tate Britain and Tate Modern (UK)
• The Louvre (Paris)
• MoMA PS1 (New York)
• The Venice Biennale
• The Museum of Contemporary Art (Sydney)
• The Hayward Gallery, London
• Lehmann Maupin (New York/Hong Kong/Seoul)
• Xavier Hufkens (Brussels), one of her current galleries
Today, she is widely recognized not just for her unapologetic honesty but for the emotional sophistication and painterly refinement in her more recent works.
The Tracey Emin in Florence “Sex and Solitude” Contemporary Art Exhibition Experience – With Artviva
There is no better way to experience Tracey Emin: Sex and Solitude than with a private expert-led tour. At Artviva, we offer insider-access private tours with exceptional guides who bring context, understanding, and emotional depth to your visit.
Our guides are passionate art historians and contemporary art specialists who will:
• Explain the evolution of Emin’s techniques
• Share her personal story and artistic legacy
• Connect her influences (like Munch and Schiele) with her visual language
• Offer meaningful interpretations of her raw, confessional art
Whether you’re a seasoned collector, an art student, or a curious visitor, Artviva’s private guided tour will transform your visit into an unforgettable experience.
Looking for More Inspiring Cultural Tours in Florence?
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Artviva Recommends: Explore Tracey Emin in Florence Art Exhibition with a Deeper Lens through our Amazing Women in Florence Tour
For those wanting to fully appreciate Tracey Emin’s work within the wider context of female artistry and resilience, we highly recommend combining your visit to the Palazzo Strozzi exhibition with our celebrated Amazing Women in Florence tour. This inspiring experience highlights the remarkable—but often overlooked—contributions of women artists throughout Florence’s history, from Renaissance trailblazers like Artemisia Gentileschi to contemporary creatives transforming the city today.
By blending the Women in Florence tour with a private guided visit to Tracey Emin: Sex and Solitude, you’ll gain a powerful understanding of the evolution of female artistic expression—from the battles women fought to be seen and heard in centuries past, to the bold, unflinching work of one of the most important contemporary voices in art today.
Let us create a custom experience that connects the past and present of women in art in an unforgettable, enriching way.
After exploring the world of Tracey Tracey Emin in Florence Art Exhibition, you might be inspired to dive deeper into Florence’s artistic soul. Here are 10 hand-picked experiences from Artviva you’ll love:
1.The Original Florence Walking Tour – Discover the city’s treasures with our bestselling introductory tour.
2.Michelangelo’s David Tour – Skip the lines and get expert insight into one of history’s most iconic sculptures.
3.Medici Art & Power Tour – Learn how this powerful family shaped Florence and the world of art.
4.Women Artists of Florence Tour – Celebrate the often-overlooked female talents of the Renaissance and beyond.
5.Contemporary Art in Florence Tour – Explore galleries and hidden studios in Florence’s modern art scene.
6.Private Uffizi Gallery Masterpieces Tour – Dive deep into Botticelli, Leonardo, and Caravaggio with our exceptional guides.
7.Exclusive Artist Studio Visit – Meet a living Florentine artist and see their creative process up close.
8.Street Art and Hidden Florence Tour – Discover Florence’s edgy side through street art and modern murals.
9.Romantic Rooftop Aperitivo Tour – Perfect for couples; enjoy views and stories from Florence’s secret terraces.
10.Art & Wine Evening in the Oltrarno – A stylish evening of culture, wine, and conversation in Florence’s coolest neighborhood.
Tracey Emin: Sex and Solitude at Palazzo Strozzi – FAQ
1. Where is the Tracey Emin exhibition being held?
The exhibition is at Palazzo Strozzi, located in the historic center of Florence at Piazza Strozzi, just a short walk from the Duomo and Ponte Vecchio.
2. What are the exhibition dates?
The exhibition runs from now until 20 July 2025.
3. What are the opening hours?
Open every day, including holidays, from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., with extended hours on Thursdays until 11:00 p.m. (last admission is one hour before closing).
4. Do I need to book tickets in advance?
While walk-ins are allowed, advance booking is recommended, especially during weekends and holidays. Artviva can assist with priority access tickets as part of a private tour.
5. Who is the curator of the exhibition?
The exhibition is curated by Arturo Galansino, Director General of Fondazione Palazzo Strozzi.
6. What kind of artworks are included in the exhibition?
The show includes over 60 works by Tracey Emin—paintings, drawings, neon art, sculptures, films, embroidery, appliqué, and photography—spanning her entire career.
7. Are there new works created especially for this exhibition?
Yes, including the large-scale bronze sculpture “I Followed You to the End” (2024) and the neon “Sex and Solitude”, installed on the main facade of Palazzo Strozzi.
8. Is the exhibition suitable for children or young teens?
Due to the mature themes of sex, trauma, and emotional vulnerability, this exhibition is best suited for older teens and adults. A guided tour can help frame the experience appropriately.
9. Can Artviva offer a private guided tour of this exhibition?
Absolutely. Artviva offers exclusive private tours with expert guides who provide cultural, historical, and emotional insight into Emin’s work—perfect for art lovers, collectors, and curious minds alike.
10. Can I combine this with other cultural tours in Florence?
Yes. We recommend combining this with our Women in Florence tour, or choosing from Artviva’s many cultural and art-themed experiences. We offer fully customizable itineraries tailored to your interests.
Book your private Tracey Emin art exhibition tour today!
Artviva is the most recommended boutique travel company in Italy, offering insightful and exclusive cultural experiences for over 25 years. Whether you’re an art lover, a contemporary culture seeker, or just looking for an unforgettable day in Florence, let us craft the perfect experience for you.
Contact us now at www.artviva.com or email us at [email protected]
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