There is a display of Paula Rego's work at Tate Britain until 2 January. Her pictures invite, demand even, that you attend to what they are about as well as to how they look. They are - if one allows that families, like countries, have struggles and conflicts - political narratives. They make you ask what is going on, and lead you to answers which go beyond a verbal reply. If words alone would do, why make pictures?

LRB 2 December 2004 | PDF Download