I. Characterized by rich brushstrokes and unconventional proportions, not only do the figures take on a rotund appearance, but animals and fruits also swell in size. These exaggerated yet endearing paintings are the classic masterpieces of the Colombian art master, Fernando Botero.
II. His signature “rotundism” (Boterismo) permeates all his creations, ranging from animals, still lifes, and portraits to religious themes. It showcases a unique sense of humor that leaves an unforgettable impression and effortlessly draws the audience into his artistic world. In his Circus series, the lively atmosphere is often tinged with the melancholic emotions of ordinary people. The nuns and priests in his religious themes represent neither severe criticism nor devout praise; instead, through exaggerated forms and humorous strokes, he conceals satire toward the clergy within their plump, massive bodies. His series paying tribute to art masters further maximizes his distinctive style, transforming classic Western paintings into entirely new visual surprises.
III. With his unique rotund perspective and delicate observation, Botero transforms the towns he has visited and the people and objects he has encountered throughout his life into allegorical artworks. Beneath their seemingly simple exterior lies a profound understanding of art history, along with a relentless pursuit of perfection in line, color, and composition. This dedication has made him one of the most distinctive and influential contemporary artists.
IV. This is a rare original-artwork exhibition in the market focusing on Latin American art. It presents the rich facets of Botero’s work, covering oil paintings, drawings, watercolors, and three-dimensional sculptures, bringing together an impressive collection of 118 pieces. We cordially invite teachers, students, and parents to experience the infinite charm of his rotund and healing art from different aesthetic perspectives.
V. Exhibition Highlights
(1) Latin America: Botero’s art is deeply rooted in his life experiences in Colombia. After encountering Mexican art in 1956, he deepened his focus on Latin America, integrating the vibrant street colors and rich cultural life of his homeland into his creations. Musicians, nuns, people in power, and everyday life all became sources of inspiration. With humorous and delicate strokes, he creates unique allegories through exaggerated proportions.
(2) Still Life Series: “The simplest forms are often the hardest to depict.” Botero’s unique style originated from his still life creations. In his youth, he painted a mandolin where he deliberately reduced the size of the sound hole, creating an effect where the instrument’s body appeared to expand outward. This prompted him to rethink the relationship between proportion and volume, establishing his classic rotund aesthetics. Since then, his language of “volume” gradually took shape, running through all his subjects.
(3) Bullfight & Circus: A brief stint at a bullfighting school during his youth, along with the dramatic colors and tense atmosphere of the arena, deeply influenced Botero, prompting him to create a series of watercolors themed around bullfighting. A traveling circus he encountered in Mexico also became a prominent subject. His trapeze artists and clowns, though full of dynamic energy, harbor the melancholy typical of everyday people, adding an inner emotional depth to the joy of the series.
(4) Versions & Religion: From his youth, Botero pursued excellence through a dialogue with masterpieces. His early experiences in Europe led him to create a series of works paying tribute to art giants using his distinctive style. Regardless of the original creator, the final piece is instantly recognizable as Botero’s—as he said, “Art is saying the same thing in a different way.” For Botero, religion is not about doctrine but about exploring form, color, and atmosphere. He reinterprets and challenges established norms with humor and satire, with his female saint series being particularly outstanding.
(5) Mixed Media & Sculpture: Besides oil painting, Botero also utilized various media such as pencil, watercolor, charcoal, and pastel. In his hands, sketches are not merely drafts but complete artworks, demonstrating the precision of lines and the sensuality of forms. Botero began exploring sculpture in 1973, bringing the beauty of volume into three dimensions. For him, art belongs in public spaces, and he hopes his sculptures provide a more direct and concrete aesthetic experience, bridging the gap between art and people.
VI. General Exhibition Information
Exhibition Dates: June 19, 2026 – October 11, 2026
Opening Hours: Daily 10:00 – 18:00 (Last ticket sale and entry at 17:30)
Location: Gallery 1, National Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, Taipei City
VII. Weekday Group Visit Plan
Target Audience: Educational groups such as schools of all levels and kindergartens.
Conditions: Applicable for groups purchasing 12 or more student tickets (advance reservation required).
Applicable Period: Weekdays during the exhibition period (Monday to Friday, 10:00 – 16:00; excluding weekends and national holidays).
Discount Plan:
From now until September 30 (Wed), enjoy a discounted price of NT$440 (single entry per person).
A maximum of 2 accompanying teachers per group may enter for free. Accompanying parents must purchase tickets. Groups must enter and exit together.
Exhibition learning sheets will be provided on-site (quantities are limited, available while supplies last).
Please complete ticket purchases and reservations at least 7 days prior to the visit. The last available date for group visits is October 2 (Fri).
Groups of 20 or more may book an additional guided tour service.
A formal notification email will be sent once the organizer confirms the successful reservation.
Booking Link: https://pse.is/9c7zg2
VIII. On-Site Ticket Prices
General Ticket (NT$490):
Applicable to the general public.
Concession Ticket (NT$470):
1. Students holding a valid student ID from universities/colleges or below (must feature the current semester’s registration stamp). ID verification is required upon entry. Limited to one ticket per ID. (Note: Not applicable to master’s/doctoral students, community colleges, open universities, or continuing education programs.)
2. Children aged 3 and above. (Children under 12 cannot enter alone and must be accompanied by a ticket-holding adult.)
IX. Contact Information
Contact Department: 通路行銷中心
Service Hotline: (02) 2649-1689 ext. 1
Service Hours: Monday to Friday, 09:30 – 17:00