Farewell to the artist who was larger than his large subjects

In memory of a Colombian Giant

On September 15, 2023, the world lost a Colombian figurative painter, sculptor, and draftsman whose legacy will continue to illuminate the art world. Botero, known for his distinctive style that exaggerates forms and volume, left an indelible mark on the international art scene.

The difficult road from his first brushstrokes to his iconic Boterismo

Fernando Botero was born on April 19, 1932, in Medellín, Colombia, into a humble family. His artistic journey began in an unusual way: he initially delved into the world of bullfighting, but he soon discovered his true passion for painting. He paid for his studies by illustrating for a newspaper, which allowed him to maintain his passion for art. However, his path was not easy; he was expelled from the Colegio Bolivariano after expressing an opinion about Picasso, whose work was considered obscene at the time. His education continued at the Liceo de la Universidad de Antioquia.

Botero's first exhibition took place in 1948, before his graduation in 1950. He participated with an oil painting titled "Frente al mar" in the IX Salón Nacional de Artistas in Bogotá, where he won second place and a prize that allowed him to travel to Europe to continue his artistic training. In Spain, he studied at the Real Academia de Arte de San Fernando in Madrid before moving to Paris, where he met Ricardo Iragarri, a filmmaker who became his roommate.

Together, they moved to Florence, Italy, where Botero immersed himself in the world of the Renaissance, absorbing the influence of great masters such as Giotto di Bondone, Masaccio, and Piero della Francesca. Upon returning to Colombia, the European cubist style he was experimenting with was not widely accepted due to a cultural clash at the time.

In 1956, Botero married Gloria Zea and moved to Mexico, where he received new influences from artists like Alejandro Obregón and Rufino Tamayo. These encounters encouraged him to explore new horizons and allowed him to exhibit in New York, where he finally began to gain popularity. Upon returning to Colombia, he secured a position as an art teacher at the National University, and despite initial rejection, his painting "La Camara degli Sposi," for which he had to protest to have it included, earned him his first award at the XI Salón de Artistas.

These early years of struggle and discovery of his style are crucial to understanding the evolution of Fernando Botero as an artist and how he transitioned from being a young illustrator who explored a variety of styles and experiments before solidifying his iconic approach to voluminous figures that characterize him today, and which has become a style uniquely known as "Boterismo."

Abu Ghraib: Art as Testimony and Reflection

After reading an article by Seymour Hersh in The New Yorker in 2004, he unexpectedly turned his attention to the Abu Ghraib prison scandal. He began a series of drawings and paintings in which he portrayed the torture of Iraqi prisoners at the hands of American security personnel, a complete departure from his usual subjects. In total, he produced 87 drawings and paintings on the subject.

Initially, he shared some of the images with a friend who ran a small magazine in Colombia, but they quickly attracted international media attention from around the world. Botero emphasized that his intention was not to be anti-American but rather to be against brutality and inhumanity. He admired the United States but was deeply disturbed by the actions at Abu Ghraib, given the country's position as a defender of human rights. He believed that art could lead to reflection on the issue and make visible what could not be captured with photographs alone.

Despite receiving harsh criticism and threats for presenting the Abu Ghraib work in his New York gallery, Botero remained committed to the idea that art had the obligation to serve as a permanent accusation and as a means to remember important historical events. While the work was exhibited in Europe, American museums initially hesitated to display it, possibly due to concerns about political repercussions. Some critics argued that the depiction of the scenes was too graphic and disturbing, leading to a debate about the balance between denouncing atrocities and the potential emotional impact on the viewer.

Botero hoped that his paintings, like Picasso's "Guernica," would serve as a visual statement against human rights abuses, although he recognized that art couldn't change everything. Ultimately, he offered to donate the series to museums that would commit to keeping some of them on display at all times, emphasizing his belief in the importance of art in preserving collective memory.

Fernando Botero and His Rise in the Art World

Fernando Botero's work experienced a remarkable increase in value throughout his career. Since 1990, the value of his artworks has surged by an astonishing 200%, and this can be attributed to various reasons. Firstly, his distinctive style has become a globally recognizable icon. Fernando Botero's work is deeply influenced by European artists, particularly the Italian Renaissance. During his artistic education in Europe, Botero closely studied the masterpieces of this period, absorbing the techniques and aesthetics that characterized great masters like Leonardo da Vinci and Raphael. This influence is reflected in his approach to forms and colors, marked by a unique voluptuousness. Botero manages to strike a balance between the classical and the contemporary in his work, blending European influence with his own Latin American perspective. The uniqueness and appeal of his art in the international market have propelled him to become one of the most influential and prominent Latin American artists of the 20th century, contributing to the appreciation of his work. His presence in renowned museums and collections has also elevated his status in the art world.

To date, his most expensive work has been his sculpture "Man on Horseback" at the May 2023 Latin American art auction at Christie's. This monumental 3-meter-tall piece reached a record price of 4.3 million dollars, surpassing its estimated value of 2 to 3 million dollars. Regarding his paintings, "The Four Musicians" was auctioned at Sotheby's for over 2.1 million dollars in a 2006 auction. These examples not only reflect the consistent demand for Botero's creations but also the investment that collectors are willing to make in his work, solidifying his position as one of the most valuable contemporary artists in the art market. The master's legacy leads us to reflect on contemporary art and how it can be a valuable investment. Here are some reasons to consider investing in works by contemporary artists:

Value in Growth: Many young and talented artists are creating exciting works. Acquiring pieces from these artists now could lead to a significant increase in their value over time.

Identifying Talent: Recognizing emerging artists is a valuable skill. You can do this by visiting local galleries, exploring social media, or attending art events.

Supporting Living Artists: Buying artwork directly from living artists is a way to support their work and contribute to their long-term success. Your investment can make a difference in their careers.

As gallery owners, we are committed to contemporary art and offer a thoughtfully curated selection of works by talented creators. We invite you to explore our collection of contemporary art, where you will find pieces that evoke emotions and challenge perception. Each artwork tells a unique story and represents an investment in the future of art.

An investment in our own humanity

Contemporary art is much more than a financial investment; it is an investment in creativity, innovation, and human expression. Fernando Botero reminded us of the importance of supporting artists in their lifetime and valuing art that pushes boundaries.

If you wish to be part of this exciting artistic journey, we invite you to explore our selection of contemporary art. Your next acquisition could be the piece that changes your perspective and enriches your life. Thank you for joining us in this tribute to an art icon and for considering contemporary art as a valuable investment.

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