Ahead of Emin’s first major solo show in London, Love is What You Want, opening at the Hayward Gallery, Louis Vuitton is showcasing a selection of previously unseen and limited edition pieces.
Who? Louis Vuitton, the fashion house who habitually reference the world of art will be making use of their in-store gallery space by exhibiting the work of celebrated British artist, Tracey Emin.
What? Ahead of Emin’s first major solo show in London, Love is What You Want, opening at the Hayward Gallery on 18 May, Louis Vuitton is showcasing a selection of previously unseen and limited edition pieces. Among these, highlights include 50 exclusive hand stitched silk scarves entitled Sex 21 Sydney (2011) and eight new etchings complete with their own bespoke leather casings. A neon sign in the artist’s signature style is also on display, bearing the same title as the Hayward show. In addition, providing insight into her work and captured on film, Emin and art historian Tim Marlow appear in Margate, the coastal town where the artist spent most of her childhood and discuss how its gritty temperament has influenced her work.
Why? An unusual and enterprising move for a retail store to house their very own gallery, the luxury New Bond Street Store’s Librairie has previously supported and commissioned exhibitions by contemporary artists Haim Steinbach, Jessica Voorsanger and John Stezaker. Their current exhibition with Tracy Emin marks a special relationship with the artist, (her work also appeared in the Louis Vuitton group show in Paris, Silent Writings) as well as their ongoing work with The Hayward Gallery – one of the five partners of the Louis Vuitton Young Arts Project. Fabric works and books signed and numbered by Emin will be available to purchase, with all proceeds going to the Forest High School arts project in Uganda.
Tracey Emin at the Louis Vuitton New Bond Street Maison is open now. Love is What You Want opens at the Hayward Gallery on 18 May.
Text by Fiona Cook
