Goodbye to Fernando Botero

We are deeply saddened by the loss of Fernando Botero, who passed away last week at the age of 91.

The close connection between Fernando Botero and Galerie Thomas began in the 1960s with a visit of Raimund Thomas to the artist's New York studio resulting in a creative collaboration that lasted for decades. Together we realized numerous exhibitions and projects including the anniversary exhibition on his 75th birthday at Maximilianstrasse. One of the highlights was the presentation of his monumental sculptures in Berlin in 2007, which included the installation of his large horse in front of the Brandenburg Gate. A year later, the premiere of the documentary film "Botero - Born in Medellin" by director Peter Schamoni took place in Munich to kick off the start of the Munich Film Festival. On this occasion, Galerie Thomas installed a monumental bronze by Botero in front of the Gasteig, the film festival’s center. Numerous catalogs document the various exhibition projects. However, the relationship went far beyond a business partnership. We shared a friendship that was marked by mutual respect and admiration.

We say goodbye, looking back on the wonderful collaboration and friendship between this extraordinary artist and Galerie Thomas.