Tracey Emin has revealed that her brother Alan died last week while she was in hospital being treated for borderline sepsis and an acute attack of diverticulitis. The artist, 63, shared the news in an emotional Instagram post detailing what she called "the strangest time."
Emin, who was diagnosed with bladder cancer six years ago, wrote that she had spent the last eight days in hospital after "suffering with infections for weeks." She said she had been unwell "one infection after another" and described feeling as though she had "been smashed with a sledgehammer."
In her post, Emin wrote: "I have had the strangest time. Deeply sad events, some I can write about some I can't. My elder brother Alan died last week. I was expecting it but not expecting it. I know he is where he wants to be."
She added: "I keep trying to tell myself the loss and sadness is mine. He is soaring high in a much better place. I loved my brother Alan very much he was a kind and gentle soul."
Health struggles in hospital
Describing her own condition, Emin wrote: "I also spent the last eight days in hospital. I keep being unwell. This time borderline sepsis and an acute attack of diverticulitis. I've been suffering for weeks on and off, one infection after another."
She said the pain and heartbreak felt "like the heaviest weight trying to crush me," adding: "This last couple of weeks I feel like I've been smashed with a sledgehammer. Broken, trampled, cursed."
Despite the setback, Emin struck a defiant tone, writing: "So I am going to get out my giant golden shield and breastplate. I'm going to polish them so bright that the whole world reflects. Any hex that's thrown at me will go straight back. I'm ready. We live now in the cruelest of worlds."
She closed her tribute by writing: "Alan was right to take his leave. I love you Alan. Rest in peace."
Bladder cancer diagnosis and surgery
Emin previously underwent a series of major operations in 2020 after being diagnosed with an aggressive form of bladder cancer during the coronavirus lockdown. Medics removed her bladder, urethra, lymph nodes and parts of her intestine and vagina to stop the tumour from spreading.
She was fitted with a stoma pouch, an opening on the abdomen that allows urine to be diverted out of the body and collected in a urostomy bag. Emin, known for confessional works such as "My Bed" and her long association with the Young British Artists movement, has continued to produce art and exhibit internationally following her diagnosis.
Living with a stoma
Emin has been frank about adapting to life after surgery and regularly shares candid updates about her health on social media. In an earlier Instagram post, she described her stoma as "part of my intestine attached to the outside of my body," adding that without it functioning correctly, she would die.
She described the area as "live flesh. Fragile and delicate. Surrounded by scar tissue and swollen puffy fatty flesh," and said she has "almost total muscle wastage" in her core and stomach. Emin admitted that wearing the bag is "quite depressing," but said it is now simply "my life."
