Fernando Botero Angulo, born on April 19, 1932, in Medellín, Colombia, was a figurative artist and sculptor whose signature style, known as "Boterismo," depicted people and figures in large, exaggerated volume. This distinctive style, which can represent political criticism or humor, became a symbol of Latin American art and brought Botero international acclaim. Botero's father was a traveling salesman who tragically died when Fernando was just four years old, leaving the family in a precarious financial situation. His mother worked as a seamstress to support her children. Despite the absence of a vibrant art scene in Medellín during his childhood, Botero was deeply influenced by the Baroque style of the colonial churches he frequented and the lively city life around him. At the age of twelve, Botero's uncle sent him to a school for matadors, reflecting the family's interest in bullfighting. However, after two years and a painful encounter with a bull, Botero decided to pursue art instead. His passion for art was evident from an early age; he sold his first paintings at just 15 and had his illustrations published in the newspaper "El Colombiano" at 16. By 18, he had left Medellín for Bogotá, determined to make a career in art. Botero's artistic journey took him to Europe, where he immersed himself in the work of the Old Masters. He lived in Madrid, studying at the Academia de San Fernando, and spent time in Florence, where he was influenced by the Italian Renaissance. His European sojourn was pivotal in shaping his artistic style, which blended classical techniques with his own exaggerated proportions to create a unique visual language. In the mid-1950s, Botero moved to Mexico City, where the vibrant art scene and the work of muralists like Diego Rivera helped him find his artistic voice. It was here that he developed his iconic style, painting characters and scenes from his childhood in Medellín with a sense of nostalgia for Latin American culture. Botero's work often featured his "Boterismo" versions of paintings by the Old Masters, and he began creating sculptures in the same voluptuous style in the 1960s. His sculptures, often monumental in scale, have been exhibited in public spaces around the world, including cities like New York, Barcelona, and Singapore. Despite his success, Botero's journey was not without challenges. In the 1960s, his style was not en vogue, yet he managed to gain acclaim during a period dominated by Abstract Expressionism and Pop Art. His belief that art should be an oasis from life's difficulties did not prevent him from addressing heavy themes when he felt it was important. In the 1990s, he painted a series on drug violence in Colombia, and in 2005, he created the Abu Ghraib series, exploring the abuses at the Iraqi prison. Botero's personal life was marked by both tragedy and success. He married three times and had four children. His son Pedro died in a car accident in 1974, an event that deeply affected Botero and influenced his work. Despite these hardships, Botero's art continued to sell for millions, and he spent his time between homes in Monaco, Paris, and Colombia. Botero's legacy extends beyond his art. He made significant donations to museums in Colombia, contributing to the creation of the Botero Museum in Bogotá and the Museum of Antioquia in Medellín. His philanthropy and dedication to his craft have left an indelible mark on the art world. Fernando Botero passed away on September 15, 2023, at the age of 91, in Monaco. His death marked the end of a prolific career that spanned over seven decades, leaving behind a rich artistic legacy that continues to be celebrated worldwide. His voluminous figures, whether in paint or bronze, remain a testament to his unique vision and his unwavering commitment to art as a reflection of life, culture, and society.

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