Bogotá, Sep 14 (EFE).- One year after the death of Colombian master Fernando Botero, his work “is very healthy” and has gained value in the art market, says his eldest son, Fernando Botero Zea, who is working with his brothers on the creation of a foundation that bears the artist’s name.
Fernando Botero, the most universal Colombian artist, passed away on September 15, 2023 in Monaco, at the age of 91, and as happens with great figures of art when they die, his work is increasingly appreciated.
“The legacy of the master Botero and his work are more alive and more relevant than ever. We are very pleased as a family to see that there is an increasing appreciation, admiration and recognition for his work and this is reflected in the many exhibitions that are being organised or in the process of being organised,” Botero Zea said in a telephone interview with EFE from Rome.
The artist’s eldest son is with his brothers in the Italian capital to attend the opening of ‘La grande mostra’, an exhibition of 120 of his paintings and drawings, organised by the Fernando Botero Foundation, at the Palazzo Bonaparte on Monday 16th.
This exhibition is the second of Botero’s work organized in the Eternal City in the last year, since last July “Botero in Rome” was inaugurated, an exhibition of eight monumental figures installed in emblematic points of the city.
The grandeur of Botero’s work, characterized by the soft shapes of his voluminous figures that gave him worldwide fame and that he did not like to call “fat” adorn museums and public spaces in different places around the world.
“All this leads me to conclude that the legacy of the master Botero is very well, very present and very much alive,” says his son about the two exhibitions in the capital of Italy, the country where the master lived a good part of his life, in the town of Pietrasanta.
Botero around the world
Similar exhibitions will be held in other cities around the world, and one of the most important “will take place in Basel (Switzerland), where between May and July of next year an exhibition of monumental sculptures will be held in the main square.”
There will also be an exhibition that has already been confirmed in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, “which is a new economic and oil power in Central Asia,” he added.
“And starting in December of next year we will have a major retrospective exhibition of monumental sculptures in Singapore to commemorate the 60 years of independence of that country,” says Botero Zea.
Colombia is not currently included in the exhibition schedule, but the possibility of holding one is not ruled out.
“It would be wonderful to be able to organize it. My father always carried Colombia in his heart and I am sure that he would be very pleased to see a major exhibition in Colombia, in one of its major cities,” he says.
The Foundation
In the year since the death of the master, his children Fernando, Lina and Juan Carlos Botero Zea have worked on the creation of the Fernando Botero Foundation, which, although not yet completed, has participated in the organization of the two exhibitions in Rome.
“This process is going very well, it is at a very advanced stage. It is called the Fernando Botero Foundation and its fundamental purpose is to preserve and expand the legacy of the master Botero through the organization of exhibitions all over the world,” he said.
The Foundation, which will be based in Switzerland, “but with the possibility of having branches anywhere in the world,” will also be responsible for activities such as the creation of a catalogue raisonné of the maestro’s work, the organization of his papers, documents, sketches and books for academic and philanthropic purposes, another facet of the maestro.
The artist’s death has also boosted the price of his works, “which is reflected in an auction record that was broken in November last year at Christie’s with a painting entitled ‘The Musicians’, which sold for $5.2 million and shortly after a record was also set for the sculpture ‘Dancers’, which sold for $4.6 million at Sotheby’s,” he notes.
“Without a doubt, the market for Botero is very healthy, very vigorous, very positive, with a very clear upward trend (…) the validity and recognition of Botero is also reflected in the market and in its prices,” concludes his son.
Jaime Ortega Carrascal
#Boteros #work #valued #healthy #year #death
2024-09-15 16:38:09
- What initiatives are being taken to preserve Fernando Botero’s artistic legacy after his passing?
Table of Contents
Fernando Botero’s Legacy Continues to Thrive One Year After His Passing
It has been a year since the passing of Colombian master Fernando Botero, but his work is more alive and relevant than ever. According to his eldest son, Fernando Botero Zea, the artist’s legacy is “very healthy” and has gained significant value in the art market. This is evident in the numerous exhibitions being organized around the world, showcasing Botero’s iconic and voluminous figures that have captivated art lovers globally.
A Family’s Effort to Preserve the Master’s Legacy
Fernando Botero Zea, along with his brothers Juan Carlos and Lina, have been working tirelessly to create the Fernando Botero Foundation. The foundation, which is nearing completion, aims to preserve and expand the master’s legacy through the organization of exhibitions worldwide. The foundation will be based in Switzerland, with the possibility of establishing branches globally. Its primary objectives include creating a catalogue raisonné of Botero’s work, organizing his papers, documents, sketches, and books for academic and philanthropic purposes.
Exhibitions Around the World
The Fernando Botero Foundation has already made significant strides in promoting the artist’s work. Recently, the foundation organized an exhibition of 120 of Botero’s paintings and drawings at the Palazzo Bonaparte in Rome, titled “La grande mostra.” This is the second exhibition of Botero’s work in the Italian capital in the last year, following “Botero in Rome,” which featured eight monumental figures installed in iconic locations around the city.
Similar exhibitions are being planned in other cities around the world. Botero Zea revealed that a major exhibition of monumental sculptures will take place in Basel, Switzerland, between May and July next year. Another exhibition has been confirmed in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, while a retrospective exhibition of monumental sculptures is scheduled to take place in Singapore in December next year to commemorate the country’s 60 years of independence
What exhibitions are currently showcasing Fernando Botero’s artwork around the world?
Fernando Botero’s Artistic Legacy Lives On: A Year After His Passing
September 15, 2023, marked the first anniversary of the passing of Colombian master Fernando Botero, a titan of modern art. As his eldest son, Fernando Botero Zea, reflected on the artist’s legacy, he declared that Botero’s work “is very healthy” and has gained significant value in the art market. The family is working tirelessly to create a foundation that bears the artist’s name, ensuring that his remarkable body of work continues to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide.
A Lasting Impact
Botero’s passing at the age of 91 in Monaco sparked a renewed appreciation for his art, as is often the case with great figures of art when they depart. His work, characterized by soft shapes and voluminous figures, has become even more relevant and admired. “The legacy of the master Botero and his work are more alive and more relevant than ever,” Botero Zea emphasized in an interview with EFE from Rome.
Exhibitions Around the World
To celebrate Botero’s life and art, a plethora of exhibitions are being organized or are already underway in various cities across the globe. In Rome, the Fernando Botero Foundation has curated “La grande mostra,” an exhibition featuring 120 of Botero’s paintings and drawings at the Palazzo Bonaparte. This is the second exhibition in the Eternal City in the past year, following “Botero in Rome,” which showcased eight monumental figures in iconic locations throughout the city.
Botero’s grandeur extends beyond Italy, with exhibitions slated to take place in Basel, Switzerland, Baku, Azerbaijan, and Singapore, among other locations. These events will not only cement Botero’s status as a master artist but also introduce his work to new audiences.
Colombia’s Pride
Fernando Botero remains Colombia’s most universal artist, and his work continues to be a source of national pride. Although Colombia is not currently included in the exhibition schedule, the family is committed to ensuring that Botero’s legacy is celebrated and preserved in his homeland.
The Fernando Botero Foundation
The creation of the Fernando Botero Foundation is a testament to the family’s dedication to preserving and promoting Botero’s artistic heritage. The foundation will serve as a hub for exhibitions, research, and education, providing a platform for art lovers to engage with Botero’s work and learn more about his life and artistic journey.
A Lasting Legacy
One year after his passing, Fernando Botero’s art continues to captivate and inspire. His family’s tireless efforts to promote his work have ensured that his legacy will endure, inspiring future generations of artists, art enthusiasts, and anyone who has been touched by his remarkable creations.
Key Takeaways:
Fernando Botero’s art has gained significant value in the art market since his passing.
The Fernando Botero Foundation is being established to promote and preserve his artistic heritage.
Exhibitions are being organized in various cities around the world, including Rome, Basel, Baku, and Singapore.
Colombia remains proud of Botero’s achievements and will celebrate his legacy in the future.
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