Art lovers in Florence are in for a major cultural event as Palazzo Strozzi hosts Tracey Emin: Sex and Solitude, the most extensive exhibition ever dedicated to the British artist in Italy. Running from March 16 to July 20, 2025, this exhibition presents over 60 works, spanning Emin’s prolific career from the 1990s to today, featuring paintings, sculptures, neon installations, drawings, and new productions created specifically for the show.
A Deeply Personal Artistic Journey
Curated by Arturo Galansino, General Director of Fondazione Palazzo Strozzi, Sex and Solitude explores Emin’s intensely autobiographical approach, where personal experiences become raw and powerful artistic expressions. The exhibition title reflects two fundamental themes in her work: sexuality and isolation, elements that intertwine in Emin’s exploration of the human body, love, desire, and vulnerability.
Emin, renowned for her fearless confrontation of personal and societal taboos, is often associated with the Young British Artists (YBAs) movement. Her works are direct and emotionally charged, capturing both passion and pain through a unique visual language that merges figuration and abstraction.
Highlights of the Exhibition
One of the most striking features of the show is the monumental bronze sculpture “I Followed You To The End” (2024), which will be installed in Palazzo Strozzi’s Renaissance courtyard. This imposing work contrasts with the historical surroundings, creating a dialogue between past and present, intimacy and grandeur.
Another key piece is the iconic “Exorcism of the Last Painting I Ever Made” (1996), an immersive installation recreating a pivotal performance in Emin’s career. In this historic work, Emin lived and worked naked inside a public gallery space for three weeks, creating a series of paintings inspired by male artists like Egon Schiele and Pablo Picasso, challenging traditional notions of artistic creation and gender roles.
Emin’s famous neon installations, which feature handwritten phrases capturing love, loss, and longing, will also be displayed. Among them, Those Who Suffer LOVE (2009) and Sex and Solitude (2025) offer deeply personal and evocative statements that engage visitors in an intimate emotional experience.
A Contemporary Voice in a Historical Setting
Palazzo Strozzi’s decision to host Emin’s work in Florence, a city synonymous with Renaissance art, is particularly significant. Emin’s artistic themes—introspection, the human condition, and emotional struggle—find resonance in the great masters of the past, yet they break away from traditional representation by adopting a raw, contemporary voice.
“I am thrilled to see my work in this incredible environment,” said Tracey Emin. “Florence is a city deeply immersed in the history of art, and I believe my pieces will create an intriguing dialogue with its rich cultural heritage.”
Beyond the Exhibition: A Citywide Art Experience
The Sex and Solitude exhibition extends beyond Palazzo Strozzi through the Fuorimostra initiative, which connects visitors to various artistic and cultural institutions across Florence and Tuscany. Locations such as the Museo Novecento, The British Institute of Florence, and Palazzo Gucci will host parallel events, screenings, and discussions related to Emin’s work.
Additionally, Palazzo Strozzi will offer guided tours, educational programs, and public talks to engage audiences of all backgrounds, ensuring a diverse and inclusive approach to contemporary art appreciation.
A Must-See Cultural Event in Florence
With Gucci as the main sponsor, Tracey Emin: Sex and Solitude represents not only a landmark exhibition in Italy but also a moment of artistic reflection on love, loss, and the complexities of human emotion. Whether you are a longtime admirer of Emin’s work or new to her bold artistic universe, this exhibition promises to be one of Florence’s unmissable cultural events of 2025.