‘Fernando Botero: A Universal Master’ in Barcelona
Palau Martorell, Barcelona
04 March 2025
From February 14 to July 20, 2025, the Palau Martorell and Arthemisia, in collaboration with the Fernando Botero Foundation, present the largest exhibition ever held in Spain dedicated to the late Colombian master, Fernando Botero. Titled ‘Fernando Botero: A Universal Master,’ this grand retrospective honours one of the most influential artists of the 20th century, renowned for his distinctive voluminous figures and unique artistic vision, which follows the ‘Botero’ showcase in the Palazzo Bonaparte in Rome.
The retrospective, curated by Lina Botero and Cristina Carrillo de Albornoz, features over 110 works that showcase Botero's remarkable versatility across various mediums, including oil paintings, sculptures, watercolours, sanguines, charcoals, and pencil drawings. Many of these works, sourced from private collections, have never before been displayed in public, offering an unprecedented opportunity to explore the breadth of his artistic legacy.
A Journey Through Botero's Iconic Themes
The exhibition is structured into ten sections, each dedicated to a central theme in Botero's oeuvre. Visitors will encounter his reinterpretations of art history masterpieces, depictions of Latin American culture, explorations of religion, and studies of still life. Additionally, the exhibition delves into Botero's works addressing social and political issues, including his powerful series on the violence in Colombia and the torture at Abu Ghraib prison.
One of the highlights of the exhibition is La Menina, según Velázquez (La Menina, According to Velázquez), a work that had remained in Botero's personal studio in Paris and is now being displayed for the first time. Another rare masterpiece, Homenaje a Mantegna, a painting hidden from public view for over 40 years, is also on display for this exhibition.
A Tribute to a Master of Volume and Colour
Fernando Botero developed a universally recognisable style marked by exaggerated volume and vibrant colour, his "Boterismo" style. His iconic visual language is recognisable throughout all of the mediums he utilised. Beyond painting, Botero also left an indelible mark in sculpture, bringing his signature voluminous forms into three-dimensional space.
This signature style is the result of a collection of influences throughout his life and journey as an artist. His journey began in Medellín, Colombia, and led him to the artistic capitals of Europe, where he absorbed the influences of Velázquez, Goya, Titian, and the Italian Renaissance. His work, however, remained deeply rooted in his Colombian identity, as he once stated: "My life is in Colombia, and my land is Colombia."
A Legacy That Endures
It is not, however, only his style that has made him such a respected figure in the contemporary artistic landscape. Although Botero maintained that art should evoke pleasure, he was not afraid to use his work as a vehicle for social commentary. His series on violence and human suffering stand as a testament to his ability to blend aesthetic beauty with profound political messages. In parallel, he has donated numerous pieces of his body of work, especially in Colombia, once again showcasing his commitment to his art and his influences.
In January 2025, Opera Gallery's Singapore location hosted the Fernando Botero ‘Homage to Botero’, a retrospective that served as both a celebration and a testament to an artist who marked the landscape of contemporary art, paying tribute to Botero's indelible impact on the art world, featuring an exceptional selection of paintings and sculptures that span his illustrious career.
