Bogotá, Colombia — Latin America has bid farewell to one of its most revered artists, Fernando Botero, whose distinctive works left an indelible mark on the world of art. The 91-year-old Colombian maestro, known for his whimsical and thought-provoking creations, passed away at his residence in Monaco, succumbing to complications from pneumonia, as confirmed by his daughter, Lina Botero.
“Fernando Botero, the painter of our traditions and defects, the painter of our virtues, has died,” announced Colombian President Gustavo Petro on social media, reflecting the nation’s profound loss.
Born in Medellín, Colombia, Botero’s artistic journey was shaped by humble beginnings. He was the son of a traveling salesman and a seamstress, harboring early aspirations of becoming a matador. However, fate had a different path in mind for him—one that would lead him to become an iconic figure in the art world.
While Botero spent the majority of his life residing in Europe and the United States, he continually returned to his Colombian roots for inspiration. In homage to this beloved artist, his hometown of Medellín has declared a week of mourning.
Botero’s artistic signature is instantly recognizable. His canvases and sculptures feature rotund, almost caricature-like figures that playfully satirize the upper echelons of Colombian society. This distinctive style birthed the term “Boterismo” and defined his oeuvre.
In one painting, he captures a Roman Catholic cardinal, dressed in full clerical regalia, blissfully asleep. In another, a snake menacingly prepares to strike the head of a woman posing for a family portrait.
As his career progressed, Botero delved into darker subjects, shedding light on the drug violence that plagued Colombia. In 1995, during an open-air concert in his hometown of Medellín, tragedy struck when guerrillas from the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) placed an explosive device beneath his bronze sculpture, “Pájaro” (“Bird”). The horrifying incident claimed more than 20 lives and left over 200 people injured.
Botero’s art also ventured beyond Colombian borders. He used his brush to depict the victims of U.S. abuse at Iraq’s Abu Ghraib prison. In his own words, “These works are the result of the indignation that the violations in Iraq produced in me and the rest of the world.”
His artistic contributions were not only impactful but also commercially successful, with some of his works fetching millions of dollars. Botero’s art graced renowned museums worldwide, including those along the illustrious Champs-Élysées in Paris and the prestigious Park Avenue in New York. However, it remained close to his heart, adorning his hometown of Medellín and the capital city of Bogotá, where the Botero Museum stands as a testament to his enduring legacy.
Fernando Botero’s departure leaves a void in the art world, but his playful yet profound creations will continue to inspire generations, reminding us of the power of art to comment on society and capture the essence of the human experience.
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