Singapore is set to host the largest exhibition ever mounted dedicated to Colombian Master Fernando Botero, marking the only Southeast Asian stop for this expansive collection. Titled “Botero in Singapore,” this landmark presentation showcases over 130 original works, spanning paintings, drawings, indoor sculptures, and his iconic monumental bronzes, displayed across two major venues: Gardens by the Bay and the newly inaugurated IMBA Theatre. Promising a comprehensive look at the prolific artist’s seven-decade career, the exhibition blends rare historical pieces with modern immersive technology, establishing Singapore as a temporary global hub for Botero enthusiasts.
Unprecedented Scale: Exploring “Boterismo”
The exhibition is divided into several thematic components, offering visitors multiple perspectives on Botero’s distinctive style, known as “Boterismo”—the celebration of volume and exaggerated form. The core of the indoor display is “Heart of Volume,” presenting 118 pieces sourced directly from the private Botero family collection. This comprehensive survey meticulously traces the evolution of the artist’s aesthetic, from delicate early watercolors to massive canvases and sculptures. Many of these items, showing Botero’s affinity for classical composition alongside influences from modern masters like Picasso, are premiering in Singapore, making the visit crucial for those seeking his rarer works.
Adding a modern, intimate layer to the retrospective is “Life in Fullness,” hailed as the world’s first immersive Botero experience. This multisensory, 45-minute audiovisual journey offers a deep dive into the artist’s personal narrative. Narrated by Botero’s son, the presentation fuses animation, archival footage, and personal storytelling to reveal the man behind the voluminous figures—a father, a rebel, and an enduring humanist whose work often blends gravity with humor.
Grandeur in Public Spaces
In line with Botero’s philosophy of democratizing art, the presentation extends far beyond the walls of the IMBA Theatre. “Garden Grandeur” features 10 monumental bronze sculptures strategically placed across the surrounding landscape. Four of these iconic, oversized figures are situated near the IMBA Theatre, while six others enrich the tranquil Silver Leaf Garden area within Gardens by the Bay, ensuring that the artist’s bold vision interacts directly with Singapore’s famed green spaces.
The exhibition itself serves as the inaugural anchor event for the IMBA Theatre’s Singapore debut, positioning the new venue as a major destination for world-class cultural programming. Following the Botero show, IMBA is scheduled to host other significant international exhibitions, including the Southeast Asia premiere of David Hockney: Bigger & Closer.
Culinary Artistry and Planning Your Visit
To complement the artistic offerings, Shangri-La Singapore is temporarily capturing the spirit of Boterismo through a unique culinary collaboration. From January 8 to March 1, 2026, the hotel will serve a Botero-inspired afternoon tea, featuring both sweet and savory treats designed to echo the artist’s playful volumes and vibrant palette.
While the definitive viewing dates for “Botero in Singapore” have yet to be publicly announced, culture enthusiasts are strongly advised to monitor official channels for ticketing and scheduling updates. Given the exhibition’s status as a global event and its unprecedented size, securing tickets early will likely be essential for witnessing this expansive celebration of one of the world’s most recognized and cherished artistic voices.