A painting from Botero's Circus series Photo: Courtesy of Zhang Yu

Colombia artist Fernando Botero's new exhibition Botero in China will raise its curtain at the National Museum of China on November 20, according to a press conference on Thursday by the Ministry of Culture and Colombia embassy in China. The exhibition marks the official debut of this contemporary representationalism artist in China. All the 81 giant oil paintings and 14 large-sized canvas sketches, created since 1970s, have come from the artist's personal collection, representing the accomplishments of the artist's 50-year-long art career. 

"We are honored to present Botero's exhibition and introduce one of the world's most important still living artists for Chinese people. His unique art style and emotional art language will be a good treat for Chinese art lovers," said Chen Lüsheng, vice curator at the National Museum of China.

The artist himself wrote in the press release that holding exhibitions in China, a nation that he admires most for its culture, sculptures and paintings, is an honor and makes him full of passion to introduce his art works to Chinese art lovers.

According to the curators Fang Ming'er and Sun Cheng, the exhibition will be a review of the artist's whole career from his South American life to bullfighters, even to his copies of other world renowned artists' signature works. The exhibition will run until January 2.

Global Times