Unapologetic Artist Spotlight: Paula Rego at Museum Folkwang
Advocating Female Empowerment: Exhibition of Paula Rego's Artwork at Folkwang - Advocate for Female Empowerment: Folkwang Exhibits Paula Rego's Work
Get ready to explore the powerful, uncompromising art of Paula Rego, a Portuguese-British painter and Biennale powerhouse, who's making waves in the art world! From May 16 to September 7, 2025, Museum Folkwang is hosting a retrospective of 130 of her works, showcasing her seven-decade fight for women's rights and visibility in art.
Museum Director Peter Gorschlueter praises Rego's impact as one of the most vital contemporary artists in both Portugal and Britain. This exhibition promises to be unmissable!
Five immense pastel paintings from the "Abortion" cycle, created in response to a failed liberalization attempt in Portuguese abortion law in 1998, will be on display. The titular subheading of the exhibition, "The Personal and the Political," encapsulates Rego's work that center on urgent themes like political and sexualized violence, abuse of power, and social injustice, with a specific focus on women's rights and children's welfare.
Born in Lisbon, Rego developed her signature style in England since the 1950s, continuously reflecting the political climate of her native Portugal under dictatorship until 1974.
- Impact on Women's Rights:Rego's art is deeply rooted in her commitment to women's rights, particularly on the issue of abortion. In 1998, she produced the striking artworks "Untitled No. 2" and "Untitled No. 9" following a failed referendum to legalize abortion in Portugal. These poignant pieces vividly portray women's harrowing experiences with illegal abortions, emphasizing the urgent need for legal reform and contributing to the public discourse on women's rights.
- Impact on Art in Portugal:Rego's work transcends political boundaries and challenges traditional portrayals of women in art. Her unique style, a mix of reality and fantasy, has profoundly influenced the Portuguese art scene, encouraging artists to delve into social and political topics.
- Museum Folkwang Exhibition:The Museum Folkwang exhibition presents Rego's work, emphasizing her exploration of political and social issues such as abortion, domestic violence, and power corruption. The display provides a platform for discussing these complex themes in the context of her broader artistic contribution, answering questions, and spawning conversations about gender, power, and the human condition.
Don't miss your chance to witness the raw, unapologetic brilliance of Paula Rego at Museum Folkwang!
- The Museum Folkwang exhibition, highlighting Paula Rego's powerful artwork, not only showcases her exploration of politics and social issues but also provides an opportunity for discussing complex themes related to women's health, including abortion.
- To supplement women's health and wellness programs, Museum Folkwang could consider incorporating vocational training in its community outreach initiatives, allowing for the creation of artwork reflecting similar themes, thereby fostering an awareness and understanding of the issues faced by women in different societies.
