Paula Rego: The Sketchbooks

[ Exhibition )

Ink drawing by Paula Rego depicting three girls. One crocuehs on teh ground while another stands behind her with an outstretched hand towards the left of teh picture. Both appear to be lookign at something out of the frame to the left, while another girl whose face is shrouded in darkness stands menacingly behind them

How does an artist develop her ideas?

Drawing largely from sketchbooks from the 1980s and 90s, this exhibition gave insight into the remarkable draughtsmanship and imagination of Paula Rego.

Born in Lisbon, Portugal in 1935, Rego has a career that spans over half a century. Since her studies at the Slade School of Fine Art in London, she has travelled consistently between Britain and Portugal.

Using folklore and fairy tales, both personally constructed and widely known, Rego’s work builds narratives of both trouble and fantasy, often leaving reality behind in favour of a religious fervour.

Including studies for some of her most famous works, this exhibition provided a new understanding of the work of one of Britain and Portugal’s most beloved figurative artists.

We interpret the world through stories… everybody makes in their own way sense of things, but if you have stories it helps.