The presentation press conference took place on 9 July at the Salone Bernini, Palazzo Ripetta (via di Ripetta 231, Rome). The meeting was opened and moderated by Giulia Silvia Ghia, councilor for Cultural Policies, Educational Policies, Sports and Youth Policies of the Municipality I of Rome Central. Speakers included Miguel Gotor, councilor for culture, Lorenza Bonaccorsi, president of Municipality I Roma Centro, Lina Botero curator of the exhibition, Maria Isabella Barone of BAM Eventi d’arte and Lorenzo Zichichi of Il Cigno GG Edizioni. Eight monumental works by the Colombian artist, universally recognized for his iconic voluminous figures, have been installed in some of the most beautiful squares in Rome: “Seated Woman” from 2000 (212x197x192 cm) and “Seated Woman” from 1991 (300x190x200) in Piazza Mignanelli, “Gatto” (from 1999, 253x195x163) in the Basilica of San Lorenzo in Lucina, “Donna distesa”, (from 2003, 361x169x141) and “Sleeping Venus” from 1994 (138x356x180 cm) at the Terrazza del Pincio, “Horse with briglie” from 2009 (325x290x130 cm) in Largo San Carlo al Corso, “Adamo (Man standing)” from 1992 (298x113x135) and “Eva (Woman standing)” from 1992 (305x110x116) in Piazza del Popolo. “Rome, eternal city: I believe that nothing could have pleased my father, Fernando Botero, more than seeing his monumental sculptures exhibited today in the heart of this extraordinary city, capital of this country that he loved so much and that influenced his work – highlighted Lina Botero, curator of the exhibition and daughter of the artist –. From every point of view, Italy was his second homeland, not only for the admiration he had for his art, but also for the love he felt for what he also considered his homeland. This exhibition, in the heart of the historic center of this city, constitutes ‘a first’ understood as a set of monumental sculptures in Rome”. “Fernando Botero passed away a year ago and gives us his vision of the world made up of enlarged forms and unlimited temporal dimensions – declared councilor Giulia Silvia Ghia -. With this exhibition the intention is to ensure that we citizens can take back the time to observe the wonderful spaces of this city from other perspectives. Contemporary art in historic sites represents a dialogue between past and present, combining cultural memory with current artistic expressions. This combination allows us to reread and reinterpret the historical heritage in the light of modern sensibilities, stimulating critical reflection on our relationship with history. Furthermore, the inclusion of contemporary works in historic urban contexts can revitalize and reactivate these spaces, making them more accessible and relevant for today’s public by promoting a more conscious and respectful use of them. In doing so, a bridge is created between different eras, celebrating the continuity and evolution of human expression.” “The contemporary beauty of Fernando Botero’s sculptures is combined with the extraordinary and unique beauty of the Capital – underlined Lorenzo Zichichi .  -The exhibition spread across some of the most beautiful squares in the center of Rome allows for a comparison between two worlds. A tribute from the Capital to the great Colombian sculptor, who recently passed away, which enriches some of its best-known places with eight monumental sculptures that fully represent the artist’s sculptural art. The exhibition itinerary begins from the Terrazza del Pincio where you can admire one of the most beautiful views of Rome and the world, continuing to Piazza del Popolo where the two sculptures, Adam and Eve, stand like columns close to the Flaminian Obelisk in the center of the Square. Walking along Via del Corso you come across the famous horse of the Colombian artist. We then proceed to Piazza San Lorenzo in Lucina, Piazza San Silvestro and finally Piazza Mignanelli. The exhibition accompanies tourists and residents of the capital, enriching one of the most iconic and formidable walks in the city with works of art.” Fernando Botero’s sculptures (as well as his paintings) are characterized by his unique style, characterized by inflated proportions, a reflection of the artist’s obsession with volume, as well as his taste for satire and political commentary. Born in Medellin, Colombia, in 1932, he held his first solo exhibition inGalería Leo Matiz in Bogota in 1951, at the age of just 19. In 1952, he traveled to Europe, first to Spain and then to Italy, where he studied the works of Italian Renaissance painters, particularly Piero della Francesca and Paolo Uccello. It is during this period that he rationalized his natural inclination towards volume, which was also evident in his previous works, inspired in part by pre-Columbian and Spanish colonial art. “This exhibition represents the first major exhibition since my father’s passing on September 15 last year. It will be the first of many others because our commitment is to continue to promote his extraordinary artistic talent – ​​announced Lina Botero -. Fernando Botero’s work is a permanent celebration of life. He said that art must above all produce pleasure, that it must be an oasis of joy in the difficulties of life. For him, the greatest gift was seeing the smile on the faces of those who appreciated his work. His sculptures and paintings have aroused, in the public of all continents and of the most diverse cultures, a recognition that is as unanimous as it is enthusiastic.” “Today we present a unique exhibition: the monumental sculptures of Fernando Botero arrive for the first time in the historic center of Rome – said Lorenza Bonaccorsi, president of Municipio I -. Two beauties who meet, unite and exalt each other. An extraordinary event dedicated to the Colombian artist who left us a year ago: it is the Capital’s tribute to Botero. We thank all the people who made the creation of this traveling exhibition in the heart of Rome possible.” The exhibition is created thanks to the collaboration between public and private which has seen the support of the Municipality I of Rome Center in the councilor for Cultural, Political and Educational Policies for Sport and Youth Policies, Giulia Silvia Ghia and of all the offices of the Department of Culture of Municipality I and the Municipality of Rome. Urban Vision Group, creative-tech media company and partner of the initiative, will amplify the visibility of the exhibition by transmitting the map of the places where the 8 works are exhibited on the monitors. Transmitted on maxi-LEDs positioned in central areas of the city near the sculptures, it will ensure that a chance encounter with one of them can be transformed into an opportunity to continue the discovery of the other works and other squares by following the directions. The initiative conceived by Urban Vision is in continuity with the company’s commitment to promoting cultural and artistic value to make cities increasingly lively, dynamic and inclusive places.