The photograph depicts British artist Tracey Emin channelling Mexican artist Frida Kahlo reclining in bed. Due to chronic illness and multiple surgeries, Kahlo spent extended periods confined to bed where she continued to create art and was occasionally photographed, making the bed a recurring motif in her life and visual legacy. When British photographer Mary McCartney invited Emin to sit for a portrait and then a shoot portraying someone she admires, the two artists discovered a shared affinity with Kahlo and a mutual connection to the symbolism of the bed. This symbolism is explored in McCartney's photograph Mum's Side of the Bed, 1996, and Emin's installation My Bed, 1998. Reflecting on the setting, McCartney explained: 'I love the intimacy of bedrooms. It's where you feel your safest, it's where you're at your most vulnerable.'
Dimensions 40.6 x 30.5 cm
Material Archival inkjet print on Hahnemühle Fine Art Pearl paper
Edition Limited Edition of 250, of which 100 have been made available to Tate. Signed and numbered on the front.
Date of work 2000/2026
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