Fernando Botero, Master of Voluptuous Forms, Dies at 91

Fernando Botero, who died in September 2023 aged 91, created one of the most instantly recognisable styles in modern art: people, animals and objects swollen to generous, rounded abundance — a manner the world came to call 'Boterismo'.

Colombia's most famous artist filled plazas from Medellín to Madrid with his rotund bronze figures, and his paintings gently satirised power, vanity and everyday life, while occasionally turning to searing political subjects.

Beloved at home as a national hero, Botero gave away many works to Colombian museums. His plump, joyful forms made him one of the most popular artists Latin America has ever produced.

Image: “Gato by Fernando Botero - Plaza Botero - Medellín - Colombia 2024” — José Luiz, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.