Colombia’s leading contemporary artist Fernando Botero has returned to Medellin to unveil a gift for his hometown.
The maestro donated his sculpture, “The Cat,” to mark the 80th anniversary of the city on April 19th.
The artwork now sits in front of the library that bears his name in the western neighborhood of San Cristobal.
“I like making these kinds of donations to communities that can enjoy them in the public space. I’m very happy that this is in San Cristobal because the people need a dose of beauty and art to improve their lives,” said Botero.
The bronze sculpture weighs over a ton, and was crafted in his workshop in Pietrasanta, Italy.
The artist also visited the Museum of Antioquia to mark the opening of a new exhibition Tuesday.
“Stations of the Cross” features some of Botero’s paintings depicting the last moments of Christ.
The 27 paintings and 23 drawings will be on exhibit at the museum until August, after which they will tour Europe.
“For me, it’s a pleasure to come back here to my land with these pictures,” Botero said Sunday.
Botero gained prominence with his figurative works depicting rotund subjects in painting and sculpture. He considers himself the “most Colombian of Colombian artists.”