Bogota: All’s fair at ArtBo

0
914
Scupltures by Nadin Ospina for artBO.
Scupltures by Nadin Ospina for artBO.

Art requires stamina and dedication. Whether you are a seasoned buyer or a curious spectator of all things visual, for four days in October your senses will be put to the test thanks to the most comprehensive exhibition of Colombian art in the Bogotá International Art Fair, artBO, and showcased on the fairgrounds of Corferias.

In its ninth edition, artBO has grown in size and importance, positioning itself as one of the world’s great art events, and undoubtedly, the most important gathering artists and their works in this country.

With 65 galleries selected by the Fair’s selection committee, as well as, 21 countries represented, artBO is gearing up to host everyone, from international buyers, to museum curators and the tens of thousands of art aficionados who will wander the ‘Pavilion of Galleries’ starting October 25th. The event will also present 14 individual projects, selected and curated by José Roca, one of Colombia’s most respected art curators and current member of the Tate’s Latin American Acquisitions department.

Colombian art has been gaining much momentum and praise on the world’s art circuit during the last decade, thanks to initiatives such as artBO by the Bogotá Chamber of Commerce (CCB), and the creative vision of many of this nation’s artists.

“The Fair is part of the strategy of Bogotá’s Cámara de Comercio to promote and position the city as a destination for culture and investment, to boost the national plastic arts and foster a place for cultural exchange of all audiences,” explains Mónica de Greiff, President of the Chamber of Commerce of Bogotá.

Every year the exhibition offers collectors and artists a unique opportunity to come face to face and talk art. And this year is no exception. New works for private collections will be shown at the Pavillion and in another venue, the  Pavilion Artecamara, 23 young artists who do not have commercial representation will be allowed to show their works, curated by Sebastián Ramírez. The educational pavilion Articularte, will host a variety of programs in order to attract young people and children to this landmark event.

This edition of artBo will also feature the Academic Forum with national and international art experts discussing different aspects on how to build private collections. The platform will be curated by María Inés Rodríguez, and seeks to generate debate on the issues facing the global visual arts community. These conferences will allow spectators to fully enjoy the totality of their art “experience.”

[otw_is sidebar=otw-sidebar-8]

Having consolidating itself as the most important artistic event of the year, and one of the most coveted in Latin America, the applications of artists wanting to participate doubled within the amount of space set aside for the fair. “artBO has grown constantly, but we aim to grow more gradually as it is important to offer the best quality of the participating galleries,” states  Maria Paz Gaviria, Director of artBO. “It is also essential that buyers and the general public have access to the great level art at this fair, and the medium-sized pleasant route that has characterized it.”

The evolution of artBO has also promoted other art fairs in Latin America, and energized national collectives such as the Salón Nacional de Artistas, held in the city of Medellín and the Luis Caballero Prize created by Bogotá’s art and cultural institute, Idartes; both very active during October, and running parallel to the activities of this international fair.

Many VIP collectors have been invited this year, such as Ella Cisneros, owner of a famous Cifo Collection; Tony Podesta, a Washington-based collector; Erica Roberts from the Golden Arcs’ Foundation and Han Nefkens from Barcelona, among others. The invited guests will no doubt enrich the experience for the art goers with their diverse opinions on contemporary art, and open new space for discussion and general art knowledge.

For Gaviria, the international exchange facilitates commercial relations among those who have chosen art as a profession; from gallery owners, to curators, to the artists themselves. ArtBO will surely surprise this month with its bountiful displays, and please the eyes of those most passionate about art.

October 25th to 28th

Corferias / Cra 37 No 24 – 67

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here