`Paula Regos’ piece, Untitled number 4 : Observation 1

`Paula Regos’ piece, Untitled number 4 (1998-1999) is a political/ educational etching on paper. This is a 200 x 295mm depiction of restricted access to abortion. This piece

is held at the Tate Britain, London, and is only available to view by appointment only.

Lying on this worn out sofa we see an unnamed woman, curled into a foetal position. Her elbows and knees meet in front of her stomach. Her body language tense as she clenches her hand, stiff, grasping the pillow beneath. Her head and chest lay on a grey pillow. Her cheek sinking into the pillow creates shadows on her face. Her facial muscles are tensed, muscles held. Her skin tone is mostly pale with slightly warmer tones on the high points of her face. Her expression is concerning, it shows pain and hurt. Her hair is styled in a loose low bun with pieces pulled out at the front, a typically youthful style. The clothing choice is conservative and simple. A now creased white shirt and a navy, below the knee length, pleated skirt is paired with white socks and trainers. Due to her choice of position these shoes are on the sofa, almost dipping between the seat cushions.