War (Rego painting)

War, a large-scale pastel on paper work created by Portuguese-British artist Paula Rego in 2003. This artwork is a significant example of Rego's powerful and often unsettling figurative style, addressing themes of violence, power, and innocence.

The painting depicts a group of large, anthropomorphic rabbit-headed figures amidst a scene of destruction. The scale of the figures, coupled with their childlike appearance despite their involvement in implied acts of brutality, creates a disturbing juxtaposition that is characteristic of Rego's work. The rabbit masks, while seemingly innocuous, evoke a sense of anonymity and dehumanization, prompting viewers to consider the nature of conflict and the roles played by individuals within it.

Interpretations of the work vary, but it is often seen as a commentary on the Iraq War and the involvement of child soldiers in conflicts around the world. The artist herself has acknowledged the influence of news reports and imagery from the war on her creative process. The vulnerability and apparent youthfulness of the rabbit figures serve to highlight the tragic consequences of war, particularly on the young and innocent.

"War" is notable for its unconventional approach to depicting conflict. Rather than focusing on traditional representations of soldiers and battlefields, Rego uses fantastical imagery and symbolic figures to explore the psychological and emotional impact of war. The work is a potent reminder of the human cost of conflict and the complex moral dilemmas it presents.