Real and uncanny: ‘The Aunt (Nada)’ by Paula Rego

In this video we explore Portuguese artist Paula Rego’s ‘The Aunt (Nada)’ from 2006, in which she uses fiction to unveil personal truths in this most disquieting of images.

Painted from life, but drawing on mannequins instead of life models, Rego’s work and process offer the perfect meeting place for the real and the uncanny.

Born in Lisbon in 1935, Rego is known for her paintings and prints that are often based on children’s folktales, and was initially heavily influenced by Surrealist artists like Joan Miró. Over time, however, her paintings have become more realistically rendered, with similarities to the work of the painter Balthus in their strong, clear drawing style, and their depictions of women in strange or unsettling situations.

Rego’s work can be found in the collections of the National Gallery in London, the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York and the Tate Gallery in London, among others.

View the original video here.

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