The art world mourns the loss of Fernando Botero Angulo, the renowned Colombian artist known for his rotund, stylised figures satirising political and societal subjects. He died on September 15, 2023, in Monaco, aged 91. Botero leaves behind a legacy that transcended borders, inspiring a younger generation of artists and admirers.
His artistic journey was one of unwavering dedication and a relentless pursuit of his own artistic identity. From a young age, he displayed an innate talent for drawing and painting, which eventually led him to study at the Academy of San Fernando in Madrid, Spain. This early exposure to European art, particularly the works of the Old Masters, greatly influenced his development as an artist.
Born on April 19, 1932, in Medellín, Colombia, Botero began modestly. However, his passion for art and boundless creativity led him to become one of our time’s most celebrated and instantly recognisable artists. His unique style, characterised by plump, exaggerated figures and rich, vibrant colours, brought joy, humour, and profound social commentary to his work.
Botero’s prolific career spans over seven decades and encompasses various subjects, from still lifes to landscapes, bullfights, and political satire. He painted and sculpted with equal mastery, and his sculptures, often monumental in scale, grace public spaces and museum collections worldwide.
Critics often derided the exaggerated size of his subjects.”If I paint a woman, a man, a dog or a horse, I always do with this idea of the volume,” Botero told Spain’s El Mundo newspaper in 2014.”I don’t paint fat women,” he went on. “What I do paint are volumes.”
Throughout his life, Botero maintained a deep connection to his Colombian roots, infusing his art with a vivid representation of Latin American culture. His work celebrated people’s everyday lives, the rituals and festivities, and the enduring strength of his homeland’s spirit. Botero’s art was not limited to a single medium; he was equally proficient in painting and sculpture. His works often featured a rich and vivid colour palette, which added to their striking visual impact. His subjects ranged from everyday scenes of life in Colombia to political and social commentary, addressing issues such as power, corruption, and the human condition.
Fernando Botero’s art transcended language and geography, evoking laughter, contemplation, and wonder. His legacy extends beyond the canvas, as he used his talent to raise awareness about important social and political issues. His works often served as mirrors to society, challenging viewers to confront the complexities of the human condition.
Fernando Botero’s impact on the art world earned him countless accolades and honours. His art graced the walls of prestigious galleries and museums, including the Museum of Modern Art in New York City, the Centre Pompidou in Paris, and the Botero Museum in Bogotá, Colombia, which he established to house his extensive personal collection.
Botero’s generosity extended beyond his art. He supported numerous charitable causes and education initiatives, recognising the power of art to transform lives. His philanthropic efforts enriched the lives of countless individuals, leaving an indelible imprint on the world. There were also some controversies with his work. His painting of the death of the notorious drug cartel boss Pablo Escobar, who was gunned down by police in Medellín in 1993. Botero originally showed Escobar dodging bullets in a heroic show of defiance but later bowed to pressure and produced an image of the dead drug lord.
Fernando Botero’s passing leaves a void in art and culture that can never be filled. However, his spirit lives on in his art’s timeless beauty and profound messages. He will forever be remembered as a visionary artist, a cultural ambassador, and a humanitarian.
He is survived by his family, friends, and a global community of admirers who will continue to be inspired by his enduring legacy. As we say our farewells, let us celebrate the life and art of Fernando Botero, a true maestro whose work will continue to touch hearts and minds for generations.
Top Photo: Creative Commons Español: Fernando Botero y La Camara degli Sposi, 1958 Date 19 January 2016 Source Own work Author Dantelectrico
Obituary: Fernando Botero (April 19, 1932 – September 15, 2023)