Paula Rego
Paula Rego’s exploration of family, particularly her relationship with her mother, has profoundly shaped her artistic voice. Her work delves into the intricate dynamics of maternal authority, domestic power struggles, and the emotional complexities of familial bonds. In paintings like The Maids and The Family, Rego masterfully captures the duality of caregiving and dominance, portraying maternal figures as both nurturing and oppressive. Her compositions are rich with symbolism, weaving together personal memories, Portuguese folklore, and sharp social commentary to challenge traditional ideals of motherhood and femininity. For instance, in The Family, the exaggerated gestures and tense postures of the figures create a psychological intensity that blurs the line between protection and control.
Rego’s nuanced portrayal of family relationships resonates deeply with my own artistic practice, particularly in my exploration of migration and belonging. Her ability to depict the tension between protection and constraint within familial bonds has inspired me to examine similar themes in my work.