Paula Rego was a Portuguese-born visual artist known for her powerful, imaginative, and often unsettling works that explore themes of power, gender, family, and fairy tales.
Born in Lisbon, she spent much of her life in the UK, where she studied at the Slade School of Fine Art. Rego's early works were influenced by surrealism, but she developed a distinctive style that combined figurative painting with a narrative quality. Her art frequently drew from her Portuguese heritage, folklore, literature, and personal experiences, and she often addressed issues related to women’s roles in society, politics, and family dynamics.
Rego was also a highly accomplished printmaker, and her printmaking played a crucial role in her artistic expression. She produced etchings, lithographs, and other forms of prints, which allowed her to explore complex narratives in a more intimate medium. Her prints often echoed the same themes as her paintings, with stark imagery and bold compositions. Rego's printmaking was praised for its technical precision and ability to communicate emotional depth, with works like her "Nursery Rhymes" series and "Abortion Series" receiving widespread acclaim for their potent storytelling and social commentary. The graphic qualities of her prints further highlighted her interest in the relationship between power and vulnerability, especially in the context of women’s experiences.