Tracey Emin. Simply writing or speaking her name invokes a response.

She has grabbed the limelight and headlines more than any other female artist for over a decade. Associated with the Young British Artists in the late eighties and nineties, she has become an artiste celebre, as familiar with the red carpet and champagne as to the needle and thread.

The media have done much to aid perceptions, delighting in her “notorious” outspoken nature and enjoying someone that takes pleasure in giving them fodder. She has celebrity status; as such, her art is not often taken seriously.

It is difficult to find anyone that has anything constructive to say about Emin's art. On speaking to friends, I was told in no uncertain terms not to write about her, not give her any more attention, that she did not deserve it, that it would only aid her publicity train.

I will admit my own prejudice at this point. Until recently, my response to an . . .  read »