The artwork entitled “Nanny, Small Bears and Bogeyman” was created by Paula Rego in 1982. This piece is situated within the realm of Surrealism and can be classified as figurative art, a genre that focuses on representations of the human form. The formal qualities and thematic content of the artwork engage the viewer in a narrative that seems to operate within the uncanny interstices of reality and imagination.
The artwork depicts a scene with figures that appear to be drawn from a dreamlike or subconscious narrative, characteristic of the Surrealist movement. There are four main characters: a figure resembling a nanny, two small bears, and an entity that may be interpreted as the ‘Bogeyman’. The nanny figure is on the left, with an exaggerated facial expression and holding a knife, which introduces an element of threat or potential violence to the scene. The two bears situated in the center and right of the composition are anthropomorphized, with human-like postures and proportions. One bear is being cradled or held by the other, which has a comforting or protective stance, contrasting with the aggressive posture of the nanny. The color palette combines pastel hues with more vibrant colors like yellows and reds, contributing to the artwork’s emotional intensity and surreal atmosphere.
The space around the figures is ambiguous, offering no distinct backdrop or context, thus focusing the viewer’s attention on the interaction of the characters. The juxtaposition of tenderness with menace, the familiar with the strange, and the blending of human and animal traits reflects the complexity of human psychology and the multi-layered symbolism frequent in Surrealist works. Through these visual elements, Paula Rego invites interpretations that question the roles of caregiver and protector, while also exploring themes of fear and comfort.
