Paula Rego is one of the leading figurative artists working today, producing richly imaginative art rooted in memories, fantasy, literature, art history, and direct observation. A native of Portugal who lives in London, Rego uses her art to explore the precariousness of human emotions and the complexity of life’s experiences. Although her work is acclaimed around the globe and is represented in leading contemporary art collections, NMWA is the first U.S. museum to present a retrospective of her work. Featuring more than 100 works—including paintings, pastels, prints, and drawings—the exhibition provides an in-depth study of Rego’s 50-year-plus career.

The exhibition is organized by the Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía, Madrid, and travels to NMWA as its sole U.S. venue. It is curated by the London-based art historian and independent curator Marco Livingstone.

Guide by Cell Audio Tours

Free audio tour; no cost except your minutes.

Call 202-747-3417 to listen to information about the exhibition.

#1 Curator's Introduction (Marco Livingstone) 3:52 minutes

#2 Centaur, 1964 (29 second)

#3 Red Monkey Beats His Wife, 1981 (50 seconds)

#4 The Maids, 1987 (52 seconds)

#5 Nursey Rhymes series, 1989 (1:02 minutes)

#6 Jane Eyre lithographs, 2001-2002 (44 seconds)

#7 Bride, 1994 (30 seconds)

#8 Looking Out, 1997 (52 seconds)

#9 The Pillowman, 2004 (51 seconds)

#10 The Shakespeare Room, 2005 (43 seconds)

PDF version

Transcript for Guide by Cell

Transcript of Rego's comments on Red Monkey Beats His Wife, 1981

Transcript of Rego's comments on The Maids, 1987

Transcript of Rego's comments on Jane Eyre lithographs, 2002-2002

Transcript of Rego's comments on Looking Out, 1997