Size Does Matter

A monumental equine sculpture by Fernando Botero puts Malaysia on the map as an art destination

An insight into Fernando Botero’s monumental sculpture located in The St Regis Kuala Lumpur

Simply titled Horse,’ Fernando Botero’s sculpture in The St Regis Kuala Lumpur has been peering down at admiring art enthusiasts since 2015. While most equate art to adornment (if not an afterthought), hoteliers Carmen and Carmey Chua designed the Drawing Room to accommodate the specially commissioned sculpture! Here’s what we gleaned during an Art Walk graced by Fernando Botero Jr, an artist too and direct descendant of Fernando Botero himself:

STATISTICALLY SIGNIFICANT

Almost grazing the chandeliers of the Drawing Room in The St Regis KL, Botero’s monumental work is not only his first in Malaysia, but also his largest equine sculpture at 3.6 x 3.5 x 1.8 metres! Swing by to see it in the flesh.

MORE IS MORE

Botero’s girthy subjects and grandiloquent style reflect the artist’s zest for life. “There is an exaltation of volume in my work. An orange I create is more of an orange than a real orange... It is an exaltation of reality and a celebration of life,” explained the artist.

FROM COCAINE TO CONTEMPORARY ART

Somewhat besmirched by Pablo Escobar’s reign in the 1980s, Medellín is, on a sunnier note, affectionately christened ‘The City of Eternal Spring’ for its moderate seasons. Columbia’s second largest city is also the birthplace of Fernando Botero (April 19, 1932).

PICASSO ON A PEDESTAL

Botero was so infatuated with Pablo Picasso that he turned up on his hero’s doorstep one day, though sadly, to no avail. Their ‘encounter’ finally took place in 2017, when Botero was invited to display his works alongside those of his idol’s.

HORSING AROUND

Harbouring a soft spot for horses, Botero heralds the beast for its majesty and familial ties. “Some of my earliest childhood memories are of horses, especially of my father who rode on horseback for his business.”

A LIVING LEGEND While many of the artist’s contemporaries only achieve posthumous fame, Botero (pictured) is blessed to be recognised as ‘the world’s greatest living artist’