This retrospective Paula Rego exhibition at Tate Britain only confirmed my admiration for the artist. I have never seen so much of her work in one place and have already booked a return visit.
The first piece in the exhibition, “Interrogation” was painted when she was only 15 years old. In it Rego has already set the pattern for her themes and concerns.
The portrait below of her beloved father was another painting that struck me with its honesty and tenderness.
Rego grew up at a time when women were taught sewing, embroidery and crochet as part of their domestic duties. She has combined these skills with her love of folk and fairy tales to create characters later used in paintings.
It’s a joy to see her mastery of so many different techniques throughout the show: acrylic,
ink and watercolour,
and some of the best contemporary use of pastel I’ve seen.
Don’t miss the display case of sketchbooks just outside the show.
