EMIN 2010.425

Since the late 1990s, Tracey Emin has used neon to emulate the cursive script of her handwriting. This reflects both her confessional, autobiographical text, and the graphic rhythm of drawing — an activity central to her practice. She has stated: ‘To me drawing is a natural extension of mental creativity, it's like handwriting. Without drawing, I wouldn't really exist'. Text, image and direct communication have been the hallmarks of Emin's work, and her 'tell it like it is' narratives resonate in a manner parallel to pop music lyrics.

I never stopped loving you could be a song title, a line of graffiti or a closing line to a letter. Emin has mined the promotional, advertising appeal of neon and its garish, slightly tacky quality to 'write' this short paean to lost love. Its honesty captures the trials, failures and fantasies of ordinary lives and loves.