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Fernando Botero
Creating the rounded, exaggerated figures known as Boterismo.
La Camera degli Sposi · Monumental figures
- Born
- 19 April 1932
- Birthplace
- Medellín, Colombia
- Died
- 15 September 2023
More people
Fernando Botero
Fernando Botero was a Colombian painter and sculptor whose distinctive use of volume became recognisable around the world.
Early life
Medellín
Grew up in Colombia and briefly trained as a bullfighter.
European study
Studied paintings in Madrid, Paris and Florence.
Career
- 1940s–1950s
Early artist
Worked as an illustrator and held exhibitions in Colombia.
- 1960s
International career
Developed his characteristic style while working abroad.
- 1970s onward
Sculpture
Extended his figures into large bronze works.
Selected work
La Camera degli Sposi
Won first prize at Colombia’s national artists’ salon.
Monumental figures
Placed rounded human and animal forms in public spaces.
Abu Ghraib series
Depicted the abuse of prisoners in Iraq.
Beyond work
Museum gifts
Donated major collections to museums in Bogotá and Medellín.
Remembrance
Left a bomb-damaged bird sculpture in place and donated a companion to it.
Sources & photo credit
Life, career and references ↗Photo: Culturespaces. CC BY 3.0 · Original image. Cropped and displayed in monochrome.
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