Exhibition Will Feature Colombian Artist Fernando Botero's Popular Works at the New Orleans Museum of Art
NEW ORLEANS, June 5, 2008 –Pan-American Life Insurance Group announced today their endowment to support the community-wide Botero exhibition, "The Baroque World of Fernando Botero," at the New Orleans Museum of Art (NOMA), as the signature sponsor through its commitment to the state of Louisiana and the Latin American community.
"The sponsorship of the Botero exhibition continues to solidify Pan-American Life's genuine interest in supporting cultural activities in New Orleans and the Hispanic community in general," said Chairman and CEO of Pan-American Life José Suquet. "We are very proud to be supporting events that are central to the socio-cultural aspects of our community and the rebuilding of our city, while aligning with our strategic initiatives."
"The New Orleans Museum of Art is honored to be collaborating with Pan-American Life, a company known for its deep, enduring pride for the Hispanic Community, in our upcoming exhibition The Baroque World of Fernando Botero which clearly appeals to Latin-Americans and art lovers in general," said John Bullard, Director for the New Orleans Museum of Art.
With Pan-American Life's sponsorship, the New Orleans Museum of Art will be able to provide the citizens of Louisiana and out-of-state visitors an unparallel opportunity to see the extraordinary work of one of today's greatest Latin American artists and to learn more about the rich culture that inspired Botero. The retrospective exhibition features Botero's paintings, prints and sculptures from his own personal collection.
Fernando Botero is best-known for his robust, inflated forms and exaggerated human figures. Though his overstated images are satirical and humorous, they also serve to offer thought-provoking political and social commentary.
The exhibition will be held at the New Orleans Museum of Art from June 28, 2008 through September 21, 2008. For more information please call the New Orleans Museum of Art at 504-658-4100 or visit www.noma.org.
More on The Baroque World of Fernando Botero
All of the works are generously on loan from the artist himself. This collection, assembled over the last 50 years, includes favorite pieces that Botero was heretofore unable to part with, as well as pieces re-acquired years after they left his possession. Many of these objects will be publicly displayed for the first time, , providing an opportunity to investigate the complex workings of this artist not only by viewing some of his most renowned masterpieces, but also by studying his most personal works of art.
About NOMA and the Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden
The New Orleans Museum of Art, founded in 1910 by Isaac Delgado, houses more than 40,000 art objects encompassing 4,000 years of world art. Works from the permanent collection, along with continuously changing temporary exhibitions, are on view in the Museum's 46 galleries onWednesdays from noon to 8 p.m. and Thursdays to Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission to the Museum is free to Louisiana residents ($5 through June 8) through the generosity of the Helis Foundation.
Admission to the adjacent Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden, featuring work by 57 artists, including several of the 20th century's great master sculptors, is always free during regular Museum hours.
The New Orleans Museum of Art and the Sculpture Garden are fully accessible to handicapped visitors and wheelchairs are available at the front desk.