World famous Colombian artist, Fernando BOTERO will be showcasing his extraordinary works in Hong Kong from 16th September to 10th October, 2011 at the Opera Gallery in Central.

On display will be over 40 of BOTERO’S original works, including live size bronze sculptures and paintings as well as works on paper.

Seeming calm and tranquil BOTERO’S colorful and humorous compositions won him great acclaim internationally. In the past decade the number of exhibitions of his paintings and sculptures organized by art institutions from Stockholm to Tokyo has been almost without precedent in the case of an artist from Latin America. In fact few artists from any corner of the world have enjoyed more attention by the museum going public than BOTERO.

BOTERO’S massive sculptures have gained particular attention exhibited in significant locations along Park Avenue in New York, constitution Avenue in Washington D.C, the Champs Elysees in Paris and the Piazza della Signoria in Florence. In 2008 Adam & Eve, a pair of 3.5 meter bronze sculptures by the artist were showcased outside the Exchange Square in Central as part of Art Moderne exhibition curated by Opera Gallery.

The present exhibition is significant presenting the first major exhibition of the artist in Hong Kong and will focus on paintings from various periods of his career. On display viewers will encounter bullfighting scenes, acrobats from the cirques as well as BOTERO’S loved topic; The Nude Women. The show is sure to attract great attention by local collectors and art fans that have rare occasions to view the master’s work in the region. ‘’In the Chinese culture round and voluptuous looks mark a great sign of prosperity making BOTERO’S compositions top favorites among Hong Kong collectors ’’ remarked Shirley Yablonsky, the gallery director.

’’Botero’s acclaimed reputation is widely known and we are proud to play host to this important showing. Hong Kong is rapidly growing to become a focal point in the international and regional artistic arena making this show another mile stone in the city’s blooming art scene’’ claimed Mrs. Yablonsky.

‘’Botero is one of Colombia’s greatest assets. A true master of great talent and a phenomenal ambassador of Colombian art all over the world. It was my first mission to bring Botero’s art to Hong Kong and am delighted to play sponsor to this wonderful and unique show’’ quoted saying Colombia’s Consul General Jose Antonio Mutis.

Botero has been very successful commercially almost from the beginning of his career and prices of his works started soaring on international market since the late 60’s positioning his reputation as a ‘’Best Selling’ artist. Among the works on display there will be top pieces from the artist’s palate of works ranking anywhere from 2MHKD to as high as 15 Million HKD per piece.