Botero’s monumental sculptures for the first time in the Capital, from 10 July to 1 October 2024. The exhibition entitled “Botero in Rome”, curated by Lina Botero, is organized by Fernando Botero Foundation in collaboration with The Swan GG Editions, BAM Art Events And The Swan Art.
The presentation press conference took place on July 9th at Salone Bernini, Palazzo Ripetta (via di Ripetta 231, Rome). The meeting was opened and moderated by Julia Silvia GhiaCouncilor for Cultural Policies, Educational Policies, Sports and Youth Policies of the Municipality I of Rome Center. The speakers were Miguel GotorCouncillor for Culture, Lorenza Bonaccorsipresident of the Municipality I Rome Center, Lina Botero curator of the exhibition, Mary Isabella Barone Of BAM Art Events And Lorenzo Zichichi of The Swan GG Editions.
Eight monumental works by the Colombian artist, universally recognized for his iconic voluminous figures, have been installed in some of the most beautiful squares in Rome: “Seated woman” of 2000 (212x197x192 cm) and “Seated woman” of 1991 (300x190x200) in Piazza Mignanelli, “Cat” (1999, 253x195x163) in the Basilica of San Lorenzo in Lucina, “Woman lying down”, (2003, 361x169x141) and “Sleeping Venus” of 1994 (138x356x180 cm) at the Pincio Terrace, “Horse with bridles” of 2009 (325x290x130 cm) in Largo San Carlo al Corso, “Adam (Standing Man)” of 1992 (298x113x135) and “Eve (Standing Woman)” of 1992 (305x110x116) in Piazza del Popolo
The vernissage was held on July 10th at 7.30pm at the Pincio Terrace (Piazzale Napoleone I – Rome).
“Rome, the eternal city: I believe that nothing could have pleased my father, Fernando Botero, more than to see his monumental sculptures exhibited today in the heart of this extraordinary city, the capital of this country that he loved so much and that so influenced his work. – highlighted Lina Botero, curator of the exhibition and daughter of the artist –. From every point of view, Italy was his second homeland, not only for the admiration he had for its art, but also for the love he felt for what he also considered his land. This exhibition, in the heart of the historic center of this city, constitutes “a first” intended as a set of monumental sculptures in Rome”.
“Fernando Botero passed away a year ago and he gave us his vision of the world made of enlarged forms and dimensions
unlimited storms – declared the councilor Giulia Silvia Ghia – . With this exhibition, the intention is to allow us citizens to take back the time to observe the wonderful spaces of this city from other perspectives. Contemporary art in historical sites represents a dialogue between past and present, uniting cultural memory with current artistic expressions. 
This union allows us to reread and reinterpret the historical heritage in the light of modern sensibilities, stimulating a critical reflection on our relationship with history. Furthermore, the insertion of contemporary works in historical urban contexts can revitalize and reactivate these spaces, making them more accessible and relevant for today’s public, promoting a more conscious and respectful use. In this way, a bridge is created between different eras, celebrating the continuity and evolution of human expression”.
“The contemporary beauty of Fernando Botero’s sculptures is combined with the extraordinary and unique beauty of the Capital – he stressed Lorenzo Zichichi – . The exhibition spread across some of the most beautiful squares in the centre of Rome allows a comparison between two worlds. A tribute from the Capital to the great Colombian sculptor, recently deceased, which enriches some of its most famous places with 8 monumental sculptures that fully represent the sculptural art of the artist. The path of the
The exhibition begins at the Pincio Terrace where you can admire one of the most beautiful views of Rome and the World, and continues to Piazza del Popolo where the two sculptures, Adam and Eve, stand like columns near the Flaminio Obelisk in the center of the square. Walking along Via del Corso you come across the famous horse by the Colombian artist. You then proceed to Piazza San Lorenzo in 
Lucina, Piazza San Silvestro and finally Piazza Mignanelli. The exhibition accompanies tourists and residents of the Capital, enriching one of the most iconic and formidable walks in the city with works of art”.
Fernando Botero’s sculptures (as well as his paintings) are characterized by his unique style, marked by bloated proportions, a reflection of the artist’s obsession with volume, as well as his taste for satire and political commentary.
Born in Medellin, Colombia, in 1932, he had his first solo exhibition at the Galería Leo Matiz in Bogota in 1951, at the age of just 19. In 1952, he traveled to Europe, first to Spain and then to Italy, where he studied the works of Italian Renaissance painters, especially Piero della Francesca and Paolo Uccello. It was during this period that he rationalized his natural inclination toward volume, which was also evident in his earlier works, inspired in part by pre-Columbian and Spanish colonial art.This exhibition represents the first major exhibition since my father’s passing on September 15th last year. It will be the first of many others because we are committed to continuing to promote his extraordinary artistic talent. – announced Lina Botero -. Fernando Botero’s work is a permanent celebration of life. He said that art must produce pleasure above all else, that it must be an oasis of joy in the difficulties of life. For him, the greatest gift was to see the smile on the face of those who appreciated his work. His sculptures and paintings have aroused, in the public of all
continents and the most diverse cultures, a recognition as unanimous as it is enthusiastic”.
“Today we present a unique exhibition: the monumental sculptures of Fernando Botero arrive for the first time in the historic center of Rome – said Lorenza Bonaccorsi, president of Municipio I -. Two beauties that meet, unite and enhance each other. An extraordinary event dedicated to the Colombian artist who left us a year ago: it is 
the Capital’s homage to Botero. We thank all the people who made this traveling exhibition in the heart of Rome possible”.
The exhibition is made possible thanks to the collaboration between the public and private sectors, which saw the support of the Municipio I Roma Centro in the Councilor for Cultural Policies, Policies and Education for Sport and Youth Policies, Giulia Silvia Ghia and all the offices of the Department of Culture of the Municipio I and the Municipality of Rome.
Urban Vision Group, a creative-tech media company and partner of the initiative, will amplify the visibility of the exhibition by broadcasting on monitors the map of the places where the 8 works are exhibited. Broadcast on maxi LEDs positioned in central areas of the city near the sculptures, it will ensure that a casual encounter with one of them can turn into an opportunity to continue discovering the other works and other squares by following the directions. The initiative conceived by Urban Vision is in continuity with the company’s commitment to promoting cultural and artistic value to make cities increasingly lively, dynamic and inclusive places.
Carlo Franza