Paula Rego’s Story Line Exhibition Explores Ambiguous Narratives in London

The Victoria Miro gallery in London is hosting 'Story Line,' a comprehensive exhibition dedicated to the drawings of Dame Paula Rego. Born in Lisbon and later based in the UK, Rego is celebrated for her influential contributions to British art while maintaining deep ties to Portuguese culture. This exhibition challenges the perception of her drawings as mere preparatory sketches, presenting them instead as primary works where narrative emerges through the act of drawing itself. Curated with insights from her son Nick Willing, the display traces Rego’s artistic evolution from childhood sketches to late works, emphasizing her identity as a 'drawer' who thinks with her hand. The artworks feature restless, unresolved lines that explore themes of patriarchal power, domestic tension, and ambiguous relationships between women and girls. By stripping away the theatricality of her larger pastels, the exhibition reveals the immediate hesitation and negotiation inherent in her creative process. Visitors are invited to engage with these open-ended stories, observing how meaning shifts within the fragile, exploratory marks on paper. The show underscores Rego’s method of invention through drawing, offering a fresh perspective on her legacy and the complex, often unsettled narratives that define her oeuvre.