Fernando Botero
Fernando Botero Angulo (born April 19, 1932) is a renowned Colombian painter and sculptor. He is arguably the best-known and most widely exhibited living Latin American artist, celebrated for his signature style, often referred to as "Boterismo," which depicts people and figures in exaggerated, rounded proportions.
Early life and education
Botero was born in Medellín, Colombia, in 1932. His father died when he was four, and he was raised by his uncle. At 16, he started training as a matador alongside his school education while also showing a keen interest in art.
Career and Artistic Works
Botero's works reflect a primitive artistic style, not out of lack of technical skill, but rather by choice. His subjects are depicted with exaggerated and disproportionate volumetry, which gives them an aspect of sensuality, criticism, humor, and irony. The "fat figures" that have made him famous are found in a wide range of situations, from the most mundane to the most historically and politically complex.
Some of his most significant works include:
- Mona Lisa, Age 12 (1959): A reinterpretation of Leonardo da Vinci's masterpiece, painted after Botero moved to Mexico and began to develop his signature style.
- The Presidential Family (1967): An exemplar of his critical, sometimes political work, this painting represents a caricature of the Colombian political elite.
- Abu Ghraib (2005): A series of approximately 80 paintings and sketches that bear witness to the abuses and torture that took place in the infamous Iraqi prison during the U.S. occupation.
- Bird of Peace (1996): A bronze sculpture that is located in the city of Medellín, Colombia. A damaged version of the statue remains in place as a memorial to a terrorist attack in 1995.
Later Life and Legacy
As of the latest update of this information in September 2021, Fernando Botero, now in his late 80s, continues to create art. Throughout his career, he has donated numerous artworks to museums in Bogotá and his hometown, Medellín. He remains a vital figure in contemporary art, and his paintings and sculptures are exhibited worldwide. His characteristic style has made him a highly influential figure in the world of Latin American art.
