In Memory of Fernando Botero: National Mourning in Colombia

The art world mourns one of its most significant representatives, Colombian painter and sculptor Fernando Botero, who passed away on September 15 at the age of 91. Botero, known for his unmistakable style often referred to as "Boterismo," leaves behind an extensive artistic legacy and a global fan base captivated by his unique interpretation of art.

Botero Museum in Bogota

 

Born on April 19, 1932, in Medellín, Colombia, Botero embarked on his artistic journey at an early age, studying at the Art School in his hometown and later in Madrid. His career began in the 1950s when he developed his characteristic paintings and sculptures featuring over-proportional figures and forms. Botero's art was characterized by a special love for fullness, which he often depicted in his works with humor, satire, or poetic depth.

His works were in demand not only in Colombia but worldwide. Botero exhibited in the most prestigious museums around the world, including the Museum of Modern Art in New York, the Louvre in Paris, and the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston. His paintings, including the famous "Mona Lisa" at the Botero Museum in Bogotá, attracted art lovers from all corners of the globe.

Botero leaves behind not only an impressive collection of artworks, many of which can be seen in various corners of Colombia. 

In the heart of Bogotá's city center, the Candelaria, you'll find the Botero Museum, which showcases a variety of paintings and sculptures by Botero. Here, you can also see his extensive personal art collection that he gifted to Colombia, including works by famous artists such as Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dalí, Claude Monet, Edgar Degas, and many others. The museum is closed on Tuesdays.

In Medellín, at the central "Plaza Botero," you can see a total of 23 bronze sculptures year-round, 365 days a year, around the clock. It is a gigantic open-air museum spanning approximately 7,000 square meters.