Discussion: Paula Rego and the beautiful grotesque

Portuguese born visual artist Paula Rego, has been called THE preeminent female artist of the late 20th and early 21st centuries. Her work is rich with story, political and social content, and is often described as the beautiful grotesque.

Unusually for a woman starting her career in the mid20th century, she fully and consistently made art throughout her life. She was no dabbler, nor did she fit her art around child care despite having three children.

Rego disliked the distinction between high and low art and would cite her influences including Velasquez and Walt Disney. She loved printmaking as a medium for expression.

Elena Crippa, curator of modern and contemporary British art at Tate Britain, believes Rego's influence has been wider and cuts deeper than is often acknowledged. "I see [her influence] in the work of most female painters – particularly in artists who engage with the body – and with women's position in the world," she says. "In fact, I would struggle to think of a significant painter, particularly in Britain, where I can't see a connection to Paula.”

What do we think?

Please check out the resources below before we get together. You could also bring an example of Rego's work to the discussion and tell us about why it grabs you.

Note that a selection of Paula Rego paintings will be sent out to attendees the day before we meet. Please bring a means of viewing the images with you to the discussion (printouts, a tablet or smartphone)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paula_Rego
https://www.tate.org.uk/art/artists/paula-rego-1823/paula-rego-curwenstudio
https://www.bbc.co.uk/culture/article/20210709-paula-rego-is-this-britainsgreatest-living-artist
https://www.victoria-miro.com/artists/238-paula-rego/
https://www.metmuseum.org/perspectives/the-deeply-political-art-of-paularego
https://www.thewhitereview.org/feature/interview-with-paula-rego/
https://www.londonartroundup.com/reviews/paula-rego-letting-loose