A Fierce Advocate: An Exhibit for Paula Rego - Portraying Over 7 Decades of Women's Rights and Artistic Revolution
- Dive into the Artistry of a Trailblazer
Advocate for women's equality, Folkwang showcases Paula Rego artwork exhibition - Advanced Advocate for Female Empowerment: Folkwang Exhibits Paula Rego's Artwork
Passionately rebelling against the horrors of oppressive abortion laws and demanding the spotlight for women in art - Paula Rego (1935-2022), a renowned figure in both Portugal and the UK, unfolds an astounding retrospective of 130 masterpieces at Museum Folkwang from May 16 to September 7, 2025.
As Museum Director Peter Gorschlueter remarks, "Rego stands tall among the most influential contemporary artists in both Portugal and the United Kingdom."
Vibrant and thought-provoking, five colossal pastel paintings from the "Abortion" cycle will be featured, a response to the unsuccessful liberalization attempt in Portuguese abortion law. The inspirational subtitle of the exhibit, "The Personal and the Political," speaks to the power and emotion behind Rego's creations.
Unmasking hard-hitting topics
Her artwork illuminates burning issues like political repression, sexualized violence, abuse of power, and social inequality, with women's rights and children's interests taking center stage.
Raised amid the iron grip of the Estado Novo dictatorship in Lisbon, Rego began shaping her unyielding, figurative art in England during the 1950s. Since the start, she dived headfirst into processing the political turmoil of her home country Portugal, where authoritarian rule reigned until 1974.
- Women Empowerment Stories
- Painter's Roots in Portugal
- Museum Folkwang Showcase
- Abortion Law Conflict
- Women's Rights and Representation
- Artistic Revolution
- Early Life and Societal Impact
Born into the heart of oppression, Rego's art was both a mirror of her world and a call-to-action for change. She tirelessly addressed social and political issues while also challenging the patriarchal norms that pervaded the art scene. Her unwavering dedication and unique style paved the way for many female artists who followed in her footsteps, leaving a lasting impact on the artistic revolution.
- To promote a healthier and more equitable society, the museum could consider incorporating a community policy that supports vocational training programs focusing on women's health and wellness, particularly in the field of art and design, in line with the advocacy of Paula Rego.
- As a tribute to Paula Rego's timeless contributions to the science of art and the advancement of women's rights, it would be fitting for the exhibit to include a section highlighting the impact of her work on other women in the field, exploring the intersection of art, health-and-wellness, and the fostering of female talent.
