Ponti Art Gallery is interested in buying and selling works
of art by this artist.
Paula Rego Biography
Paula Rego, born Maria Paula Figueiroa Rego on January 26, 1935, in Lisbon, Portugal, was a distinguished Portuguese-British visual artist renowned for her poignant and often unsettling paintings and prints. Her work, which spanned over six decades, is celebrated for its narrative depth, psychological acuity, and feminist themes, making her one of the most influential figurative artists of her time.
Rego's early life in Portugal was marked by the political backdrop of António de Oliveira Salazar's dictatorship, an environment that fueled her later artistic explorations of power, oppression, and gender dynamics. Her family, liberal and anti-fascist, encouraged her cultural education, and she was exposed to a mix of Portuguese folktales and British literature, which would later permeate her work. Despite her mother being a competent artist, Rego received little encouragement to pursue a career in art, a reflection of the conservative societal norms of the time.
In 1952, Rego moved to London to study at the prestigious Slade School of Fine Art, where she met her future husband, the painter Victor Willing. The Slade provided a fertile ground for her artistic development, and it was there that she began to hone her skills in painting, printmaking, and storytelling through art. Her early work was characterized by abstract and surrealist influences, but she gradually moved towards a more representational style.
Throughout the 1960s, Rego exhibited with The London Group, alongside notable artists such as David Hockney and Frank Auerbach. Her work during this period began to reflect her distinctive magical realist style, marked by grotesque scenes and strong female figures. These works often delved into themes such as pregnancy, aging, abuse, and mental suffering, portraying the female body in a manner that challenged traditional representations.
Rego's art was deeply personal, drawing from her own life experiences, including her family life and her husband's battle with multiple sclerosis. Her political engagement was also evident in her work, notably in her response to the Portuguese referendum on abortion in 1998. Her powerful series of paintings on the subject was credited with influencing public opinion and contributing to the eventual legalization of abortion in Portugal in 2007.
In the 1980s, Rego's style underwent a significant transformation, with a shift towards pastel works that allowed her to express the accumulated anger and suffering she perceived in the world, particularly in relation to women's experiences. Her "Dog Women" and "Abortion" series are among her most acclaimed works, showcasing her ability to address difficult subjects with empathy and force.
Rego's contributions to art were recognized with numerous accolades, including honorary doctorates from prestigious universities such as Oxford and Cambridge, and in 2010, she was appointed Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire by Queen Elizabeth II. Her work has been exhibited widely, with major retrospectives at institutions like Tate Britain and the Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofia in Madrid.
Paula Rego's legacy is also preserved in the Casa das Histórias Paula Rego in Cascais, Portugal, a museum dedicated to her life's work. The museum, which opened in 2009, houses a comprehensive collection of her prints, drawings, and paintings, serving as a testament to her enduring impact on the art world.
Rego passed away on June 8, 2022, in London, leaving behind a body of work that continues to inspire and challenge viewers. Her unique vision, characterized by a blend of fantasy and reality, personal and political narratives, and a deep understanding of human nature, ensures her place as a pivotal figure in contemporary art. Paula Rego's art, with its unflinching honesty and narrative richness, remains a powerful commentary on the human condition and the societal forces that shape our lives.
Paula Rego Quotes and Sales of
Works
Ponti Art Gallery selects and deals with paintings by the
artist. Upon request, we provide free estimates and
evaluations, communicate prices, quotations, and current
market values.
If you are interested in BUYING or SELLING works by the
artist, contact us immediately.
If you wish to sell or receive an evaluation of the
works:
Send us a frontal photo of the painting, one of the back,
and one of the signature. Also, indicate the dimensions of
the work. Inform us about the purchase origin of the work
and any kind of available documentation (purchase
receipts, certificates of authenticity, publications). One
of our operators will respond to you on the same day. We
guarantee maximum confidentiality and extreme
professionalism.
If you wish to purchase works by the painter: Contact us
and let us know your request. We will inform you about the
available works. We also offer the possibility to
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informed at the beginning of each month about the latest
acquisitions of the art gallery.
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