Sotheby’s to Showcase Rare Fernando Botero Works in New York from July 22 to September 7

Sotheby’s will host an exhibition titled Botero in New York featuring the works of renowned artist Fernando Botero from July 22 to September 7. The exhibition, in collaboration with the artist’s foundation, showcases rarely seen pieces from his time in New York between 1960 and 1973, before he relocated to Paris. This marks Sotheby’s first single-artist exhibition since its move to the Breuer building.

Overview of the Botero Exhibition

The Botero in New York exhibition includes over 20 works drawn from both the Botero family’s collection and private collections, with some pieces available for private sale. Anna Di Stasi, Sotheby’s global head of Latin American art, emphasized the significance of Botero’s connection to New York, stating, “It was here that Botero clarified the visual language that would make him one of the most recognizable artists of the twentieth century.”

This exhibition is part of Sotheby’s larger initiative to highlight significant artists, following its earlier In Residence exhibition featuring works by Joaquín Sorolla. Di Stasi explained that Botero was a natural choice due to his strong ties to both New York and the global art community.

Botero's Artistic Journey in New York

During his time in New York, Botero developed his distinctive style characterized by fleshy, rotund figures known as Boterismo. The exhibition aims to illustrate the evolution of his artistic language. Di Stasi noted, “The aim was to show the development of Botero’s language over time and to make visible the formal decisions that led to the mature style.”

The exhibition does not serve as a complete survey of Botero’s oeuvre but assembles works that have rarely been seen together. This collection reveals the complexity of Botero's creative process, challenging the public's perception of his fully formed style.

Significance of the Exhibition

The importance of Botero in New York lies in its ability to showcase works that speak to one another through their use of space, volume, and cultural context. The Botero family expressed the profound impact New York had on the artist's career, stating, “It was here that he arrived during his unwavering quest to refine his artistic language.”

In summary, this exhibition highlights the significant period of Botero’s life in New York, showcasing the artistic influences and developments that shaped his career. Visitors can expect to see a unique collection that reflects both the personal and professional journey of one of the 20th century’s most celebrated artists.