# Paula Rego

> Portuguese-British visual artist (1935-2022)

**Wikidata**: [Q235318](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q235318)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paula_Rego)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/paula-rego

## Summary
Paula Rego was a Portuguese-British visual artist renowned for her figurative paintings, prints, and drawings that explored themes of feminism, politics, and social issues. Born in Lisbon, Portugal, in 1935, she became a prominent figure in contemporary art, known for her bold and often provocative works. Rego's career spanned over six decades, during which she challenged societal norms through her art.

## Biography
- **Born**: January 26, 1935, Lisbon, Portugal
- **Nationality**: Portuguese-British
- **Education**: Studied at the Slade School of Fine Art (1952–1956)
- **Known for**: Figurative art, printmaking, and contributions to contemporary art
- **Employer(s)**: Associated with the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation and the Royal Academy of Arts
- **Field(s)**: Painting, printmaking, modernism, contemporary art

## Contributions
- **Artistic Works**: Created over 500 paintings, prints, and drawings, including notable pieces like *The Abortion* (1998) and *Dog Woman* (1995), which addressed themes of feminism and social justice.
- **Exhibitions**: Held solo exhibitions at the Tate Britain (2019), the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., and the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum in Lisbon.
- **Awards**: Received the Prémio Autores (2014), honorary doctorates from the University of Lisbon and the University of Oxford, and was elected an Academician of the Royal Academy of Arts (1988).
- **Legacy**: Her work is held in the permanent collections of major institutions, including the Tate, the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), and the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation.

## FAQs
**What were Paula Rego's primary artistic mediums?**  
Rego worked primarily in painting, printmaking, and drawing, with a focus on figurative art that often incorporated elements of modernism and contemporary themes.

**Where did Paula Rego study art?**  
She studied at the Slade School of Fine Art in London from 1952 to 1956, which significantly influenced her early career.

**What themes did Paula Rego's artwork address?**  
Her work explored themes of feminism, politics, and social issues, challenging societal norms through provocative and emotionally charged imagery.

**What notable awards did Paula Rego receive?**  
She received the Prémio Autores (2014), honorary doctorates from the University of Lisbon and the University of Oxford, and was elected an Academician of the Royal Academy of Arts in 1988.

**Where can Paula Rego's artwork be viewed today?**  
Her pieces are held in the permanent collections of institutions such as the Tate, the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), and the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum in Lisbon.

## Why They Matter
Paula Rego's contributions to contemporary art are marked by her unapologetic exploration of feminist and political themes, which challenged societal norms and inspired generations of artists. Her work redefined figurative art, blending traditional techniques with modernist and contemporary sensibilities. Rego's influence extends beyond the art world, impacting discussions on gender, power, and social justice. Without her bold artistic voice, the landscape of contemporary art would lack a critical perspective on the human experience.

## Notable For
- **Figurative Art Innovation**: Revitalized figurative painting in the late 20th century with works that blended realism and symbolism.
- **Feminist Iconography**: Used her art to critique patriarchal norms, as seen in pieces like *The Abortion* (1998).
- **Academic Recognition**: Elected an Academician of the Royal Academy of Arts (1988) and received honorary doctorates from prestigious universities.
- **Institutional Legacy**: Her work is featured in major museum collections worldwide, including the Tate and MoMA.
- **Cultural Impact**: Influenced contemporary artists to engage with social and political themes in their practice.

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Paula Rego was born on January 26, 1935, in Lisbon, Portugal, to a middle-class family. Her early life was marked by political instability in Portugal under the Estado Novo regime. In 1952, she moved to London to study at the Slade School of Fine Art, where she honed her skills in painting and printmaking. Her time at the Slade exposed her to modernist movements and laid the foundation for her distinctive style.

### Career and Artistic Style
Rego's career spanned over six decades, during which she developed a unique figurative style characterized by bold colors, distorted forms, and narrative depth. Her work often incorporated elements of surrealism and symbolism, addressing themes such as feminism, politics, and personal identity. Notable works include *The Abortion* (1998), which critiqued societal attitudes toward women's rights, and *Dog Woman* (1995), a series exploring female empowerment.

### Exhibitions and Institutional Affiliations
Throughout her career, Rego participated in numerous solo and group exhibitions. Her work was showcased at the Tate Britain (2019), the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., and the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum in Lisbon. She maintained affiliations with the Royal Academy of Arts, where she was elected an Academician in 1988, and the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, which supported her artistic endeavors.

### Awards and Recognition
Rego received the Prémio Autores in 2014, recognizing her contributions to Portuguese culture. She was honored with honorary doctorates from the University of Lisbon and the University of Oxford, acknowledging her academic and artistic achievements. Her election to the Royal Academy of Arts in 1988 solidified her status as a leading figure in contemporary art.

### Legacy and Influence
Paula Rego's legacy lies in her ability to merge traditional techniques with contemporary themes, inspiring artists to engage with social and political issues. Her work continues to be celebrated for its emotional intensity and intellectual depth, ensuring her influence on generations of artists. Rego's passing on June 8, 2022, marked the end of an era, but her artistic contributions remain a testament to her enduring impact on the art world.

## References

1. The International Who's Who of Women 2006
2. Library of Congress Authorities
3. BnF authorities
4. Museum of Modern Art online collection
5. Integrated Authority File
6. [In Lisbon, Sowing the Seeds of Culture. 2011](http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/19/arts/19iht-sclisbon19.html?pagewanted=all)
7. [A Lisbon Suburb Turns Up the Chic. 2007](http://www.nytimes.com/2007/02/18/travel/18surfacing.html)
8. [Source](http://www.bbc.co.uk/arts/yourpaintings/artists/paula-figueiroa-rego)
9. LIBRIS. 2018
10. Paula Figueiroa Rego. Art UK painters database
11. [Source](https://www.workwithdata.com/person/paula-rego-1935)
12. Who's Who
13. Czech National Authority Database
14. The Fine Art Archive
15. [Source](https://www.rtp.pt/noticias/cultura/funeral-de-paula-rego-portugal-cumpre-dia-de-luto-nacional_v1416500)
16. [Source](http://www.ordens.presidencia.pt/?idc=153)
17. International Standard Name Identifier
18. Faceted Application of Subject Terminology
19. Virtual International Authority File
20. CiNii Research
21. Paula Rego. RKDartists
22. Paula Rego. CLARA
23. SNAC
24. Discogs
25. Le Delarge
26. Rego, Paula
27. Artists of the World Online
28. [Source](https://www.publico.pt/2022/06/08/culturaipsilon/noticia/pintora-paula-rego-morreu-87-anos-2009362)
29. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
30. [Source](https://gulbenkian.pt/read-watch-listen/paula-rego/)
31. BBC Things
32. RKDartists
33. Source
34. [ADAGP directory](https://www.adagp.fr/fr/mysearch/rp_rights?keyword=Paula+Rego)
35. DACS register
36. ADAGP directory
37. [Source](https://pallant.org.uk/whats-on/paula-rego-the-sketchbooks/)
38. [Source](https://triarte.brynmawr.edu/artist-maker/info/27267)
39. [Source](https://library.nga.gov/permalink/01NGA_INST/1cl1g8d/alma991190993504896)