Fernando Botero, a Colombian artist renowned the world over for his works of sculpture and oil painting, died at the age of 91 in Monaco on September 15. At the time of his death, he had suffered from respiratory difficulties related to pneumonia.
Botero, born in Medellin, was best known for his work located in Berrio Park, popularly known as ‘Las Gordas de Botero’, and he will be remembered for his unique style of ‘Boterismo’.
Fernando’s oeuvre, adapted from the greats of art history, created a unique visual language centered around the characters and cultures of Latin America. Known for his signature style featuring rotund figures, Botero had an eye for satire, inviting critique of the leaders, military personnel, and clergy of Colombia. While his art became an ever more global phenomenon, he never neglected his roots; permanent sets of his work can still be seen in Colombia’s museums and public spaces, including the Museum of Antioquia, Plaza Botero in Medellin, and the National Museum of Colombia in Bogota.
The world has lost a giant of painting and sculpture whose works brimmed with poetry, humor, and often, criticism. Fernando Botero was a titan of the art industry, and his life and work will remain a source of inspiration for generations to come.
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