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Fernando Botero

Colombian, b. 1932

5.1k followers

Fernando Botero

Bio

Colombian, b. 1932

Followers
5.1k
Biography

Drawing inspiration from a diverse array of influences, from Renaissance masters such as Giotto and Paolo Uccello to the 20th-century Abstract Expressionist movement, Fernando Botero’s signature style is characterized by the use of rotund figures and inflated forms. His 1961 work Mona Lisa, Age 12 exemplifies his use of the dynamic brushwork typical of Abstract Expressionism, although used to depict the figure rather than for pure abstraction. In addition to employing techniques from major movements, Botero’s paintings frequently emulate the subject matter and compositions of past masters, his bulbous renderings of these familiar images often interpreted as gestures of irony or caricature. The rounded appearance of Botero’s painted figures is mirrored in his sculptural work, usually fabricated in bronze at a large scale and often displayed in public.

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Career Highlights
Learn more about artist insights.
Established
Established representation
Represented by industry leading galleries.
Auction
High auction record
£2m, Bonham's, 2018
User
Solo show at a major institution
Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, and 2 more
Group
Group show at a major institution
The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), and 5 more
Institution
Collected by a major institution
Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), and 1 more
Publication
Reviewed by a major art publication
Artforum
Fair
Included in a major biennial
Venice Biennale National Pavilion, and 2 more
Biography

Drawing inspiration from a diverse array of influences, from Renaissance masters such as Giotto and Paolo Uccello to the 20th-century Abstract Expressionist movement, Fernando Botero’s signature style is characterized by the use of rotund figures and inflated forms. His 1961 work Mona Lisa, Age 12 exemplifies his use of the dynamic brushwork typical of Abstract Expressionism, although used to depict the figure rather than for pure abstraction. In addition to employing techniques from major movements, Botero’s paintings frequently emulate the subject matter and compositions of past masters, his bulbous renderings of these familiar images often interpreted as gestures of irony or caricature. The rounded appearance of Botero’s painted figures is mirrored in his sculptural work, usually fabricated in bronze at a large scale and often displayed in public.

Career Highlights
Learn more about artist insights.
Established
Established representation
Represented by industry leading galleries.
Auction
High auction record
£2m, Bonham's, 2018
User
Solo show at a major institution
Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, and 2 more
Group
Group show at a major institution
The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), and 5 more
Institution
Collected by a major institution
Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), and 1 more
Publication
Reviewed by a major art publication
Artforum
Fair
Included in a major biennial
Venice Biennale National Pavilion, and 2 more
Shows Featuring Fernando Botero
Articles Featuring Fernando Botero
Fernando Botero Became Famous Despite the Art World’s Scorn
Jun 4th, 2019
Fernando Botero Became Famous Despite the Art World’s Scorn
What Sold at Art Basel in Hong Kong
Mar 31st, 2018
What Sold at Art Basel in Hong Kong
Botero’s Nude Paintings Are Becoming Icons of Body Positivity
Jun 20th, 2017
Botero’s Nude Paintings Are Becoming Icons of Body Positivity
Elsa Zambrano Turns Souvenirs into Original Artworks
Sep 25th, 2015
Elsa Zambrano Turns Souvenirs into Original Artworks
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