Botero in Guangzhou: A Defining Moment for a Global Legacy

wgclients01
Jul 22
2 min read

This retrospective brings together key works spanning four decades of Botero’s artistic journey (1980–2020), including oil paintings, watercolors, sculptures in bronze, and works on paper. Thematically, the exhibition explores Botero’s iconic subjects: everyday life in Latin America, the circus, bullfighting, still lifes, and portraits of artists he admired.

Highlights include:

"Family with Pets" – a tender, large-scale domestic scene
"After Velázquez" (2005) – a whimsical homage to classical masters
"Circus Act" (2008) – rich in color, symbolism, and theatricality
"Still Life with Coffee Pot" – a refined exploration of the familiar
A never-before-seen series of artist portraits
Animal sculptures honoring the Chinese zodiac – dog, cat, horse, and bird.

The exhibition is expected to attract over 700,000 visitors before it closes in November, underscoring Botero’s lasting connection with international audiences. Following its run in Guangzhou, the show will continue its Asian tour to Singapore in December, where it will be expanded to include monumental sculptures—extending the reach of Latin American art in Asia.

Gary Nader and Botero: A Shared Vision

As the holder of the largest private collection of Botero’s ouevre and one of the artist’s most trusted collaborators, Gary Nader has spent more than three decades promoting the universal value of Botero’s vision across continents. His efforts have played a pivotal role in amplifying the artist’s legacy on the world stage.

“This exhibition reaffirms what we have always believed—Botero’s art speaks a universal language. His ability to merge humor, humanity, and formal harmony resonates deeply in every corner of the world,” says Nader.

Exhibition Details

Venue: Guangdong Museum of Art (Baietan), Halls 1–3

Dates: July 4 – November 23, 2025

Presented by: Guangdong Museum of Art & Fernando Botero Foundation

Curator: Wang Shaoqiang

Next stop: Singapore, December 2025