Colombian artist Fernando Botero dies at 91

Local media reported that the painter and sculptor of sexy figures was recovering from pneumonia that hospitalized him.

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September 15, 2023 – 07:20

Colombian painter and sculptor Fernando Botero, Colombia’s most famous artist known for his sculptures of sensual figures, died on Friday (September 15, 2023) at the age of 91, his family reported. .

The artist, who was born in Medellín on April 19, 1932, painted in his studio until he was hospitalized with pneumonia, but last Thursday he was discharged from the hospital to recover at home.

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His daughter Lina Botero explained in an interview with Radio Caracol that he died this morning in Monaco: “For five days his health was very bad because he suffered from pneumonia .”

“He was 91 years old and had an extraordinary life, and he left at the right time,” said his stunned daughter, who remembered him as a man who “dedicated his life to his country, which was also the theme of his art.” Work. “

The painter studied in Colombia and at the Royal Academy of San Fernando in Madrid, and began exhibiting in the United States in the 1960s, with his first exhibition at the Milwaukee Art Center, where he began to demonstrate his unique figurative style.

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Botero left behind a long artistic body of work; from his unique and idiosyncratic Mona Lisa to the stout dancing lovers, through his sculptures that decorated every corner of the world, but above all his hometown of Mai Delin, who donated dozens of pieces to the city.

“Fernando Botero died, the painter of our traditions and flaws, the painter of our virtues. The painter of our violence and peace. The dove was dropped a thousand times and placed a thousand times more,” said Colombian President Gu. Stavo Petro, alludes to the pigeons on display at Casa Nariño (Presidential Headquarters), also presented by the artist to commemorate the 2016 agreement with the FARC.

Former President Juan Manuel Santos also spoke of the loss: “We deeply regret the departure of Fernando Botero, one of the greatest artists in Colombia and in the world. He was so important to his country Always generous, a great friend and a passionate peacebuilder. Our sincere condolences to his entire family.”

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