“Who wants to be remembered as just a YBA artist?” —Tracey Emin
In the October issue of frieze, Emily LaBarge profiles Tracey Emin in anticipation of her major solo exhibition at White Cube Bermondsey, London. Plus, Malik Gaines, Alastair Macaulay and Constance Stamatiou among others contribute to a Festschrift that traces the enduring legacy of choreographer Alvin Ailey.
Profile: Tracey Emin
“I don’t have a practice. That’s for the kids. I’m an artist. I make art.” Known for her delicate brushstrokes and sinuous prose, Tracey Emin reflects on a life and career that challenges conventions and celebrates raw vulnerability.
Festschrift: Alvin Ailey
“We think dance is the putting on of things – really, it’s the revealing.” As Alvin Ailey’s retrospective opens at the Whitney Museum of American Art, New York, artists, critics and members of the choreographer’s company reflect on how his astonishing vision changed American dance.
Also featuring
Curator Edward Gillman speaks with artist Jack O’Brien about his innovative sculptural practice ahead of his forthcoming show at Camden Art Centre, London. In “1,500 Words”, Nobel Prize-winning writer Annie Ernaux shares an excerpt from the upcoming reissue of The Use of Photography, translated into English for the first time. Plus, contributing writer McKenzie Wark explores trans-feminine aesthetics and the revolutionary potential of prettiness.
Columns: Dance
Charles Aubin writes on Yvonne Rainer’s return to dance after a two-decade hiatus, Damien Jalet speaks to associate editor Marko Gluhaich about choreographing Jacques Audiard’s Emilia Pérez (2024), associate editor Vanessa Peterson examines Rebecca Horn’s use of performance as a form of exploring our subconscious desires and Travis Alabanza pens a tribute to Marikiscrycrycry’s choreographic horror “Goner” (2024–25). Plus, Joseph Sissens and Joseph Toonga discuss The Royal Ballet’s Rhythm in Resilience, a new festival celebrating Black excellence within the Company.
Finally, ahead of Tacita Dean’s first major museum survey in the United States at The Menil Collection in Houston, Texas, Daisy Lafarge responds to her 2006 work Crowhurst. Plus, Jack O’Brien contributes to our series of artists’ “to-do” lists and associate editor Angel Lambo pens a postcard from London.
