Artist: Paula Rego

Cristea Roberts Gallery presents a major exhibition of work by Paula Rego (1935 -2022) centred around an intensely personal period that the artist spent in her studio from 2005 to 2007.

Focusing on her drawing practice, Rego explored darker and more complex themes than ever before. A major catalyst for this period was the connection she found in the work of writer and director Martin McDonagh (b. 1970), whose short stories Rego used as an inspiration to create a series of prints.

Over forty works, several which will be unveiled for the first time, will be exhibited alongside a recreation of Rego’s studio, showcasing the dolls, creatures and objects she made and used as subject matter. Drawing from Life will also be accompanied by a new book featuring text by the artist’s son Nick Willing and several of the stories which fascinated Rego, including those by McDonagh.

This exhibition, a collaboration between The Estate of Paula Rego and Cristea Roberts Gallery, will be open until 17 January 2026.