Fernando Botero "Monumental Sculpture"

Marlborough Chelsea

poster for Fernando Botero "Monumental Sculpture"

This event has ended.

Botero’s monumental sculptures are formal masterpieces of composed volume and mass. He has said of his sculp-
ture, “I never give particular traits to my figures. I don’t want them to have personality, but rather that they represent a type that I create. My sculptures do not carry any messages, social or otherwise… what matters for me is the form, the voluptuous surfaces which emphasize the sensuality of my work.”
In addition to Leda and the Swan and Rape of Europa, Marlborough’s exhibition will include Woman on a Horse, 2006 (114 1/8 x 87 3/8 x 55 1/8 in.) and Reclining Woman, 2006 (65 3/8 x 137 3/4 x 56 3/4 in.). With these works, Botero contemporizes historical precedents such as the equestrian sculpture and the reclined nude, both of which have their artistic roots in antiquity. Standing over nine-feet tall, Rape of Europa is a unique interpretation of this mythological theme. The nude maiden reclines on her side on the back of the massive bull, balanced, with one hand supporting her head and another outstretched. The figure is poised in a relaxed manner as the strong bull supports her. The serenity of the pair are in contrast to the dynamic, shifting elements of Europa’s story as related by Ovid. Here, Botero depicts a languid Europa, with no trace of fear as described in Metamorphoses. Jupiter as the bull is attentive and his curled tail implies a degree of domesticity: Europa seems to have tamed him completely.

Media

Schedule

from April 29, 2010 to May 29, 2010

Opening Reception on 2010-04-29

Artist(s)

Fernando Botero

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