Colombian artist Fernando Botero has died at the age of 91 after suffering health problems.
The painter and sculptor was born on April 19, 1932 in the city of Medellín and became one of the most famous Colombians for his sculptures and voluptuous figures.
In his old age, he was still painting in his studio until he suffered pneumonia, which forced him to be hospitalized; but he was discharged and recuperated at his home in Monaco.
“He had been in very poor health for five days because he had contracted pneumonia. “He died at the age of 91, he had an extraordinary life and left at the right time,” his daughter Lina Botero told Caracol Radio.
Fernando Botero studied in Colombia and at the Royal Academy of Art of San Francisco in Madrid. At the age of 15, he made himself known by selling bullfighting drawings at the doors of the bullring in Bogotá.
His first international exhibitions took place in the United States in the 1960s, where he began to show his signature style: painting and sculpting voluptuous and slightly surreal people.
A style and a heritage that is unique in the world
The Colombian left a great legacy in the art world and many remember him for his special “Mona Lisa” and his voluptuous people; as well as sculptures that decorate various cities and museums around the world.
In fact, Botero believed that public exhibitions were a “revolutionary” way to bring art to the public.
And he has succeeded because his sculptures have breathed life into squares and public spaces around the world. His sculptures can be seen in cities such as Medellín, Bogotá, Madrid, Paris, Barcelona, among others.
Fernando Botero died doing what he cared about most. It is estimated that he created more than 3,000 paintings and approximately 300 sculptures over the course of his career; Therefore he demonstrated great artistic creativity.
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His work made him one of the most influential Latin American artists of the 20th century. In his country he is considered the “greatest artist” of all time.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro regretted his departure, declaring: “Fernando Botero, the painter of our traditions and defects, the painter of our virtues, has died.” The painter of our violence and our peace. Rejected a thousand times by the dove and placed on her throne a thousand times.
In fact, one of the most symbolic final works was the “Dove of Peace,” which Botero created to commemorate the peace agreement signed with the FARC guerrillas in 2016.
Medellín authorities ordered seven days of mourning for the death of Fernando Botero; an artist who made the name of the city and country known to the world.
