Exhibitions
Botero's volumetric universe invades Singapore
The iconic figures of Fernando Botero, instantly recognizable for their exaggerated proportions and unmistakable volume, have arrived in Singapore with a major exhibition titled “Botero in Singapore,” on view from January 25 to May 18 at Gardens by the Bay (GBTB) and the new IMBA Theatre. This project is a true cultural milestone, bringing together nearly 130 original works, making it the largest Botero exhibition worldwide, and Singapore its only stop in Southeast Asia.
Unlike a traditional exhibition, Botero in Singapore is presented as a multisensory journey divided into three complementary segments. The first is an immersive experience about the artist's life, followed by a large indoor exhibition of paintings, drawings, and sculptures, and culminating in six outdoor sculptures strategically placed throughout the gardens, inviting the public to encounter art in a natural setting.
The heart of the exhibition is undoubtedly A Life in Fullness , the world's first immersive experience dedicated to Botero. For 45 minutes, visitors are guided by the narration of his eldest son, Fernando Botero Zea, on a journey that combines animation, archival footage, and personal stories, from his early years in Colombia to the international acclaim for his unique style, known as "Boterismo." The experience not only allows visitors to get to know the man behind the artwork but also to immerse themselves in Botero's visual universe, where every rounded shape and exaggerated volume tells a unique story.
The route transforms Gardens by the Bay into a veritable art stage where art engages with everyday life. The larger-than-life sculptures amplify Botero's characteristic volumes to almost civic proportions, turning familiar figures into bold landmarks that define the rhythm of the urban and natural landscape. Towering against the sky and framed by vegetation, these works anchor public spaces with an unmistakable presence and personality, inviting visitors to contemplate them from multiple angles and perspectives.
While the first two sections require admission and will open soon, the six outdoor sculptures are already installed and open to the public free of charge, allowing both locals and tourists to interact with them. This exhibition thus offers the opportunity to experience Botero in all his glory, merging art, nature, and urban life in a journey that promises to be unforgettable.
