The BBC have reported that renowned artist Dame Paula Rego has passed away at the age of 87. Known for her imaginative and often provocative works, Rego’s career spanned over six decades, leaving an indelible mark on the art world. She died peacefully at her home in north London, surrounded by her family, following a short illness.

A Life of Artistic Brilliance

Born in 1935 in Lisbon, Portugal, Dame Paula Rego was sent to an English finishing school as a teenager. She later studied at the Slade School of Fine Art, University College London, where she met her future husband, Vic Willing. The couple divided their time between London and Portugal.

Rego’s early works in Portugal were semi-abstract and often dealt with violent or political subjects. She gained prominence in the UK after exhibiting with the London Group in the 1960s alongside artists like David Hockney.

Revolutionary Art

Dame Paula Rego’s art was known for its narrative quality, often inspired by fiction, fairytales, and her own life experiences. Her works frequently featured women and childhood toys, imbued with a sense of mystery and the uncanny. She was a strong advocate for women’s rights and abortion rights throughout her career.

In 1990, Rego became the first artist-in-residence at London’s National Gallery. Her public profile was further elevated in 2010 when she was made a Dame, becoming only the fourth female painter to receive the honor.

Legacy and Tributes

Dame Paula Rego’s works have sold for hundreds of thousands of pounds and are part of collections owned by notable figures such as Charles Saatchi and Madonna. In 2021, she had a retrospective exhibition at the Tate Britain gallery in London, which described her as “an uncompromising artist of extraordinary imaginative power” who “revolutionized the way in which women are represented.”

Her granddaughter, Grace Smart, led the tributes, describing her as “a fantastic and world-changing artist.” Author and academic Professor Pragya Agarwal praised Rego’s paintings as “brutal and honest,” while documentary-maker Dr. Janina Ramirez lauded her for changing the world through art.

Dame Paula Rego’s passing marks the end of an era, but her legacy will continue to inspire and challenge future generations of artists.