Artist Paula Rego Dies at 87, Leaving Legacy of Figurative Painting and Feminist Narratives

Paula Rego, the renowned British artist with roots in Portugal who transformed figurative art, has died at the age of 87. Her passing was announced by the Victoria Miro gallery, noting she died peacefully at home in North London, surrounded by her family after a short illness. Born in Portugal during the Salazar regime, she moved to the UK in 1951 to attend the Slade School of Fine Art at University College London. Rego gained recognition in the 1960s and became the first artist-in-residence at the National Gallery in London. Earlier this year, her work was highlighted at the 59th Venice Biennale and a major retrospective was displayed at Tate Britain. She leaves behind her children Nick, Cas, and Victoria Willing, along with grandchildren and great-grandchildren.