Paula Rego Lisbon , 1935-2022

Biography

Maria Paula Figueiroa Rego (Lisbon, 1935) was a Portuguese-British visual artist, celebrated as one of the foremost figurative painters of the late 20th and early 21st centuries. Born in Lisbon, Rego's art was deeply rooted in personal experiences, memories, and a rich literary and artistic heritage. She moved to England in the early 1950s to study at the Slade School of Fine Art, making London her home.


Rego's style evolved from abstract to representational, often favoring pastels over oils. Her work, inspired by storybooks and imbued with feminist themes and Portuguese folk motifs, showcased a unique blend of lucidity and defiance. Throughout her career, Rego's artistic voice remained distinctive and influential, leaving an indelible mark on the international art scene.