Paula Rego (1935–2022) was a Portuguese-born painter and printmaker whose work became internationally celebrated for its raw emotional power, complex narratives, and unapologetic exploration of social and political themes. Born in Lisbon, Rego studied at the Slade School of Fine Art in London, where she developed a distinctive visual language that fused figuration with elements of folklore, literature, and personal memory. Her early work reflected influences of Surrealism and abstraction, but she soon embraced a bold, figurative style characterized by theatrical compositions, unsettling realism, and psychologically charged imagery. Rego’s paintings often explored themes of power, gender, family, and resistance, challenging conventional portrayals of women and exposing hidden tensions within domestic and societal life. A recurring hallmark of her art was storytelling—her canvases drew upon Portuguese legends, children’s tales, and autobiographical episodes, yet they conveyed universal struggles of vulnerability, authority, and resilience. Works such as the Abortion Series positioned her as an uncompromising advocate for women’s rights, giving voice to silenced experiences. Over her long career, Rego received numerous honors, including being appointed Dame of the British Empire. Today, her art remains a profound testament to the ability of painting to confront reality, disturb complacency, and evoke empathy.