Botero's 'Fat Paintings' Return to Seoul for Grand Finale of World Tour

Seoul welcomes back the celebrated Colombian artist Fernando Botero with a grand exhibition, "Fernando Botero: Aesthetics of Form," a decade after his last showing here. This event, hosted at the Hangaram Design Museum, is not just an art exhibition; it's a significant cultural moment, marking the culmination of a world tour that has captivated audiences in Europe and Azerbaijan.

Botero, renowned for his distinctive style often described as "fat paintings," offers a unique perspective on volume and form. His "Boterismo" is more than just exaggeration; it's a sophisticated language that imbues his subjects with a sense of monumentality, sensuality, and often, a touch of humor and irony. As his daughter and co-curator Lina Botero notes, "Art should provide pleasure. It should be a constant celebration of life and an oasis from the hardships of life."

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Art should provide pleasure. It should be a constant celebration of life and an oasis from the hardships of life.

This exhibition, meticulously curated by Lina Botero and Cristina Carrillo de Albornoz, delves into the artist's six-decade journey, focusing on works from the 1970s to his later pieces. The six thematic sections—'Variations,' 'Latin America,' 'Religion,' 'Bullfighting,' 'Still Life,' and 'Circus'—offer a comprehensive look at his artistic evolution and thematic preoccupations. For us in Korea, Botero's work offers a vibrant counterpoint to some of the more minimalist or abstract trends in contemporary art. His celebration of form and life, rendered with such bold confidence, provides a refreshing and accessible artistic experience.

What makes this exhibition particularly special for Seoul is its position as the grand finale of the global tour. It underscores Seoul's growing importance as a major hub for international art and culture. The inclusion of special lectures and educational programs further enriches the experience, making Botero's unique aesthetic accessible to a wider audience, from seasoned art lovers to newcomers.

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In art, volume is linked to a specific concept of sensuality. I am convinced that painting should be generous, sensual, and voluptuous.