Fernando Botero Death: When Did Fernando Botero Die?

Fernando Botero Death: When Did Fernando Botero Die? – Fernando Botero was a distinguished Colombian figurative artist and sculptor whose artistic legacy spanned decades.

Born on April 19, 1932, in Medellín, he was celebrated for his unique style, often referred to as “Boterismo,” characterized by the depiction of people and figures with exaggerated volumes. Depending on the piece, this style could convey political critique or humor. Botero earned recognition as one of the most prominent and frequently cited living artists from Latin America, with his art showcased in prominent locations worldwide, including New York City’s Park Avenue and Paris’s Champs-Élysées.

Early in his career, Botero proudly referred to himself as “the most Colombian of Colombian artists.” His national prominence soared when he claimed the top prize at the Salón de Artistas Colombianos in 1958. His artistic journey included a transition into sculpting when he moved to Paris in 1973, gaining international acclaim through exhibitions worldwide by the 1990s.

Fernando Botero’s art graced the collections of prestigious international museums, corporations, and private collectors. His contributions to the art world were recognized with the International Sculpture Center’s Lifetime Achievement in Contemporary Sculpture Award in 2012.

His artistic journey began in 1948 when his work was first exhibited in a group show alongside other regional artists. From 1949 to 1950, Botero worked as a set designer before relocating to Bogotá in 1951. During his formative years, he also contributed as a newspaper illustrator to support his artistic pursuits before attending the San Fernando Academy. His initial solo exhibition took place at the Galería Leo Matiz in Bogotá shortly after his arrival. In 1952, he traveled to Barcelona with a group of artists before moving on to Madrid.

In Madrid, Fernando Botero studied at the Academia de San Fernando, deepening his knowledge of art. He then embarked on a journey to Florence, Italy, from 1953 to 1954, immersing himself in the works of Renaissance masters. In recent decades, he primarily resided in Paris but dedicated one month each year to his hometown, Medellín. Botero’s artistry was celebrated through over 50 exhibitions in major cities worldwide, with his works achieving remarkable selling prices.

Botero’s accolades continued as he won the ninth edition of the Salón de Artistas Colombianos in 1958. His commitment to using art as a medium of expression remained unwavering. In 2004, he unveiled a series of 27 drawings and 23 paintings focused on the violence in Colombia from 1999 to 2004. These works were generously donated to the National Museum of Colombia.

In 2005, Botero garnered international attention with his Abu Ghraib series. This powerful series included over 85 paintings and 100 drawings, reflecting his commitment to “painting out the poison.” Botero chose not to sell these works but rather donated them to museums. In 2009, the Berkeley Art Museum received 56 paintings and drawings from this series.

After dedicating over 14 months to the Abu Ghraib series, Botero returned to themes from his early life, such as family and maternity. His works, such as “Une Famille” and “Maternity,” reflected a deep personal connection and artistic evolution.

In 2008, Botero exhibited his captivating “The Circus” collection, featuring 20 works in oil and watercolor. However, he stated in a 2010 interview that he was ready to explore other subjects, emphasizing the return to simplicity with still-life compositions.

Botero’s contributions extended beyond his artwork, with generous donations to museums in Bogotá and his hometown, Medellín. In 2000, he gifted 123 pieces of his work and 85 pieces from his personal collection to the Museo Botero in Bogotá, including works by renowned artists such as Chagall, Picasso, Robert Rauschenberg, and the French impressionists.

He also donated 119 pieces to the Museum of Antioquia, including 23 bronze sculptures that adorned Medellín’s Botero Plaza. Additional sculptures could be found in nearby Berrio Park and San Antonio Plaza.

In response to the Colombian peace process, Botero sculpted and donated “La paloma de la paz” in 2016 to commemorate the signing and ratification of the agreement.