Tracey Emin Mourns Brother Alan Amid Personal Health Crisis

POLICY WIRE — London, United Kingdom — Dame Tracey Emin has shared a poignant tribute to her elder brother, Alan, revealing that he passed away last week while she was receiving medical care.

The 63-year-old artist announced the news on Instagram, describing her brother as a kind and gentle soul. She noted that while his death was somewhat expected, the loss remains deeply painful, adding that she finds comfort in the belief that he is now in a better place.

Alongside the announcement of her brother’s death, Emin disclosed that she has spent the last eight days in the hospital. She explained that she has been battling recurring health issues, specifically citing a bout of borderline sepsis and an acute attack of diverticulitis.

Emin described the physical and emotional toll of these recent weeks as feeling like she had been smashed with a sledge hammer. Despite the exhaustion and pain, she expressed a resolve to move forward, metaphorically preparing to face the world with a giant golden shield and breast plate.

The artist’s health struggles follow a significant battle with an aggressive form of bladder cancer, which was first diagnosed in 2020. That diagnosis led to extensive surgery, including the removal of her bladder, uterus, ovaries, urethra, lymph nodes, and portions of her vagina and intestine, resulting in the use of a stoma bag.

In June 2024, Emin reached a major milestone by receiving the all-clear for cancer, marking four years since her diagnosis. During that same period, she was honored as a dame for her contributions to British art.

Reflecting on her recovery earlier this year, Emin described the experience as being born again. She has continued to channel her experiences into her work, including the 2024 exhibition I Followed You To The End at London’s White Cube gallery and a major retrospective at the Tate Modern.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)