The exhibition features more than 80 works by the Colombian artist, including sculptures, paintings, and drawings.

On Thursday, the Guangdong Museum opened an exhibition dedicated to Colombian artist Fernando Botero, marking the return of his work to China for the first time since 2016. The show is part of an Asian tour that will also include stops in Singapore and South Korea.

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Organized by the Botero Foundation, the exhibition features more than 80 works by the Colombian artist, including sculptures, paintings and drawings. The selection includes notable pieces such as Self-Portrait (1975), After Velazquez (2005) and After Raphael ‘La Fornarina’ (2013).

“Different types of works have been selected to reflect the excellence of the master’s artistic production,” said Fernando Botero Zea, the artist’s son. He added that the show includes “various technical and thematic expressions.”

According to Botero Zea, the exhibition is a top-tier presentation and an extraordinary opportunity for the Chinese public to “gain deeper insight” into the Colombian artist’s work.

The exhibition also marks a significant milestone in China-Colombia relations, as the two countries celebrate the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties this year. It serves as an example of “the excellent relationship” between both nations in multiple fields, Botero Zea said.

He recalled the extraordinary reception his father’s work received during the exhibitions held in Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong in 2015 and 2016, which attracted 1.5 million visitors — a reflection, he said, of “the affection, admiration and appreciation” the Chinese public has for the Colombian’s art.

Those exhibitions were the realization of a “dream” Botero had as he approached his 80th birthday — to showcase his work in China for the first time, his son said. The artist felt “fulfilled” as he witnessed the enthusiasm his art inspired in the country.

The Colombian painter and sculptor died in 2023 at age 91, keeping “a special place in his heart” for China, his son affirmed. He also noted that the Chinese public “has a special interest and great curiosity for Western art,” and emphasized the “strong desire” among Chinese visitors to “deepen their understanding.”

teleSUR/ JF

Source: EFE

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