Paula Rego: Obedience and Defiance, MK Gallery - ★★★★★ - Until September 22, 2019


There are two reasons to visit this exhibition: one is the wonderful retrospective of Paula Rego's work and the other is to see the new MK gallery space they are displayed in. Rego's art is unabashedly challenging: powerful pieces deal with political issues ranging from dictatorship to abortion and with personal conflicts about relationships and the sacrifice they may require. These are strong narratives that reward the time spent contemplating their iconography and trenchant reflections on films, novels and the great masters of western art. Rego's works flow from many sources, but she is not simply a conduit for them. Her strong will bends and re-shapes her own experience and her influences into powerful images that haunt the viewer. This exhibition is well worth the 30 minute trip from London. It has been thoughtfully curated by Catherine Lampert and serves as a wonderful inauguration of Milton Keynes newly enlarged and renovated gallery.

Reviewed by J.C.


 Our Score:  ☆☆☆☆☆

WHEN, WHERE, GETTING THERE:
Until September 22, 2019
Tue - Sat: 11 am - 7 pm. Sun: 11 am - 5 pm

MK Gallery
Nearest tube: Euston for National Rail service to Milton Keynes Central

https://www.mkgallery.org/whats-on/paula-rego-obedience-and-defiance

Most Popular

Arcadia ★★★★★ The Old Vic | Jan 24 - Mar 21, 2026

St. Martin in-the-fields: Lunchtime Concerts ★★★★ FREE

BIGRE / “Fish Bowl” ★★★★ Sadler's Wells Peacock Theatre | Jan 28 - 31, 2026

Samurai ★★★★★ The British Museum | Feb 3 - May 4, 2026

Cable Street ★★★ Marylebone Theatre | Jan 16 - Feb 28, 2026

Man and Boy ★★★★ National Theatre | Jan 30 - Mar 14, 2026

American Psycho ★★★★★ Almeida Theatre | Jan 22 - Mar 14, 2026

Ballad Lines ★★★★ Southwark Playhouse, Elephant | Jan 23 - Mar 21, 2026

Shadowlands ★★★★★ Aldwych Theatre | Feb 5 - May 9, 2026

Cash on Delivery ★★★★ The Mill at Sonning | Feb 5 - Apr 4, 2026

The City Life Magazine | Reviews & Ratings