Fernando Botero: Biography and Art: The Universe of Boterism in Paintings and Sculptures
Discover the singular world of Fernando Botero, a renowned Colombian artist known for his oversized and humorous depictions of everyday life.
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Fernando Botero is one of the most recognized artists in Latin America, known for his paintings and sculptures that feature plump and voluminous figures.
His work comprises nearly three thousand paintings and over two hundred sculptures, as well as numerous drawings and watercolors.
His early paintings express the expressionist character of painting, but it was after years of learning and numerous travels that he acquired the style for which he became famous.
While Botero eventually moved toward his signature style, the raw intensity of expressionism can be seen through other masters of the movement. Egon Schiele: Maturity, Conflicts, and Lasting Expressionist Legacy
Botero has held over 50 solo exhibitions worldwide and his paintings fetch high prices on the market, found in various parts of the globe, always imbued with great artistic quality.
In the production of his first works, the artist was influenced by French painter Paul Gauguin and Mexican artists Diego Rivera and José Clemente Orozco, through books and reproductions.
Much like the muralists who inspired Botero, other South American artists have used their craft to document the history and soul of their people. Biography of Candido Portinari: From Academia to Historic Mural Paintings
The unmistakable characteristics of Botero's art received the name of “Boterism”, as it depicts plump figures, always with an exaggerated volume, which can denote political criticism or mere humor.
When the artist was asked about why he painted fat people, he replied: “I don't paint fat people!”.
Fernando Botero: GALLERY OF SOME PAINTINGS:
REINTERPRETATIONS OF ART WORKS
Fernando Botero: SCULPTURES
Maintaining his style of using volumes, in this case, he uses forms in his sculptures to portray his vision of people and customs.
For those who admire artists with a bold and unmistakable visual identity, the vibrant colors and shapes of this Brazilian creator are also a must-see. Romero Britto and His Work
Twenty-three sculptures were donated by the artist to his hometown, Medellín. They are displayed in a public square, which was renamed after Fernando Botero, becoming one of the most sought-after tourist attractions in the Colombian city.
