I think art should be challenging as well as inspiring. I was recently struck by the powerful images by Paula Rego (1998) on Abortion. These images show the real and raw relationship that many poor women have with the experience of terminating an unplanned pregnancy. By taking the ‘art ‘ out of the images and instilling the pain, desolation and isolation this is makes us pay attention.
However the women portrayed may be suffering, but they are neither passive nor victims. Their eyes defy and interrogate us, transferring a societal responsibility and guilt for what they are undergoing. The brutal realism and disturbing strength of the ‘abortion pastels ‘ is not, however, specific to the topic. This is how Paula Rego paints: huge screens, strong colours, very troubling creatures and human relations. I’m inspired by this great language that she uses in her art and hope to capture some of its essence a new series of paintings.
Check out Paula Paintings at: www.tate.org.uk/art/artists/paula-rego