Catch an extraordinary Paula Rego exhibition at Arnolfini this year

Catch an extraordinary Paula Rego exhibition at Arnolfini this year

Posted on: 07 Feb 2022

Venture into the imagination of an internationally acclaimed artist this year.

 

Dame Paula Rego will exhibit her work in Bristol for the first time in almost 40 years at Arnolfini in 2022, beginning on Saturday 5 February and running until Sunday 29 May.

 

'Subversive Stories' is designed to introduce a new generation to Rego's rich and imaginative work interweaving wit and dark humor, and is open daily from 11:00 to 18:00.

 

Entry is FREE. Tickets can be booked in advance here and a limited number of walk-ins will be permitted each day.

 

 

Rego is widely regarded as one of the most important figurative artists of her generation, with work ranging from painting, pastel, and prints to sculptural installations.

 

Her work shines a light on present-day politics, notably those affecting women, and explores themes of power, rebellion, sexuality and gender, and grief and poverty, often through female protagonists.

 

'Subversive Stories' is comprised of over 80 prints from across Rego's career, delving into the art of storytelling through her reinterpretations of well-known narratives and classic tales, repositioning the role of women at their centre.

 

Alongside the exhibition, Arnolfini is looking for storytellers to create tales in an original or Rego-esque style and share their work. Pick up a free copy of You Are Now the Storyteller when you’re visiting Arnolfini or download it here to get started.

Rego was born in Lisbon in 1935 but was schooled in Kent before moving to London to study at the Slade School of Art between 1952-56.

 

Rego's first major exhibition at the Air Gallery in 1981 and subsequently at the Serpentine Gallery catapulted her to prominence, and in 1990 she became the first National Gallery artist in residence in 1990.

 

Major solo exhibitions and retrospectives have been key to Rego’s extensive career, with her work housed in major public and museum collections all over the world.

 

Please note: this exhibition includes images that explore sexuality, abortion, and the practice of female genital mutilation. 

 

Tickets for this exhibition are FREE. Book here. Arnolfini also permits a limited number of walk-ins per day.

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Article by:

George Boyle

 

 

George is a journalism graduate and writer passionate about music and culture. Get in touch via email at george@365bristol.com