Tate Britain presents the most exhaustive retrospective of contemporary artist, Paula Rego’s work to date, highlighting her key role in redefining figurative art in the UK and beyond.
Featuring over 100 works including paintings, collage, drawings, sculpture and etchings, this exhibition shines a light into the life and art of this prominent figure within the contemporary British art world.
Portuguese-born and London-based, Rego is particularly known for her paintings and prints based on storybooks and celebrated for her unique representation of female subjects.
The exhibition explores the personal nature of her practice, shaped by her life experiences and the socio-political context surrounding them. Works shown include early paintings from the 1950s, which explore Rego’s personal and social struggle, as well as her richly layered, staged scenes from the 2000-10s.
Also on display are pastels from her acclaimed Dog Women series, depicting women posturing and behaving like dogs. The series saught to present women as simultaneously submissive and fiercely independent. The exhibition constitutes a unique opportunity to survey the full range of Rego’s work.
