1 / 7My Heart Is This: Tracey Emin on Painting
My Heart Is This: Tracey Emin on Painting is an illustrated book about Emin’s approach to painting, presented through her conversation with art critic Martin Gayford. It focuses on the artist’s life and work, including how her perspective changed after her cancer diagnosis.
At a glance
- Tracey Emin discusses what painting means to her and how she approaches it.
- The conversation with art critic Martin Gayford connects Emin’s art to her life and career.
- Photographs of the artist and her work accompany the text.
- The book addresses changes in Emin’s outlook after her cancer diagnosis.
Often bought together
Pros and cons
Pros
- Offers an artist-led account of painting and its relationship to personal experience.
- Combines conversation and photographs, making it relevant to readers interested in both Emin’s ideas and artwork.
- At 256 pages, it provides a focused study rather than a broad survey of art history.
Technical specifications
9 specifications| Publisher | Thames and Hudson Ltd |
|---|---|
| Publication date | 26 February 2026 |
| Edition | 1st |
| Language | English |
| Print length | 256 pages |
| ISBN-10 | 0500031010 |
| ISBN-13 | 978-0500031018 |
| Weight listed | 700 g |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 6.4 x 1.2 x 9.4 inches |
Who is it for?
A good fit for
- Tracey Emin fans seeking a first-person perspective on her art and life.
- Readers interested in contemporary painting and the creative process.
- Art-book readers looking for an illustrated conversation with an artist.
Less suited to
- Readers looking primarily for a practical painting tutorial or step-by-step instruction.
Customer reviews on Amazon
- 5 stars
86% 86% - 4 stars
9% 9% - 3 stars
5% 5% - 2 stars
0% 0% - 1 star
0% 0%
Aggregate ratings are strongly positive overall, though a smaller share is less enthusiastic. Without written customer feedback, these ratings do not show what readers liked or disliked. For buyers choosing an illustrated, artist-led discussion of painting, the listing describes that format, but the ratings alone cannot confirm how well the book delivers it.
Frequently asked questions
What is My Heart Is This about?
Tracey Emin discusses painting, her life and work, and how her outlook changed after her cancer diagnosis.
Who is Tracey Emin speaking with in the book?
The listing describes a conversation with art critic Martin Gayford.
Does the book include images?
Yes. The listing describes it as richly illustrated with photographs of Emin and her art.
Is this a painting instruction manual?
The supplied description presents it as a personal conversation about painting, not as a step-by-step tutorial.
