Fernando Botero, the renowned Colombian painter and sculptor known for his iconic depictions of voluminous and robust figures, has passed away at the age of 91 in Monaco, where he spent part of the year.
Born in 1932 in Medellín, Colombia, Botero is celebrated as one of the most significant Latin American artists of the 20th century. His work has graced the world’s most prestigious art auctions in New York and London.
Botero’s daughter, Lina Botero, announced his passing due to a severe deterioration in his health. He had been battling Parkinson’s disease for several years and developed pneumonia in his final days, making it increasingly difficult for him to breathe.
Despite his health issues, Botero remained committed to his craft. He continued to create art, switching to watercolors since standing at an easel became challenging. In fact, he worked in his Monaco studio until just days before his health took a turn for the worse.
The Mayor of Medellín, Daniel Quintero, declared seven days of mourning for the city and paid tribute to Botero, emphasizing his love for Medellín, Colombia, and Latin America.
Botero’s sculptures and paintings, characterized by voluptuous and slightly surreal forms, have captivated audiences worldwide. His work is featured in museums and public spaces in cities such as Bogotá, Madrid, Paris, Barcelona, Singapore, and Venice.
Botero was a strong advocate of displaying art in public spaces as a “revolutionary way” to bring art to the public. In 2004, he donated around twenty of his massive bronze sculptures to his hometown of Medellín, which were exhibited in Plaza Botero, a central square. Unfortunately, some of these sculptures were vandalized in 2020 when unknown individuals used “chemical substances” to discolor the metal.
Despite facing challenges, Botero’s art has often shed light on issues such as violence in Colombia. His work provided a poignant perspective on the country’s armed conflicts, which have resulted in over a million deaths and nearly eight million displaced individuals over the past six decades.
Botero’s passing marks the end of an era in Latin American art. He will be remembered not only as a Colombian and Latin American artist but as a global artistic treasure.