When you think about Fernando Botero, the first thing that probably comes to your mind is the monumental size of the characters and objects in his masterpieces. The Fat Pigeon, The Flower Pot and the obese version of the Monalisa are some of the most popular figures of the world created by the Colombian artist.
However, there is more of this artist than meets the eye. Here are some curiosities about his work and life. You be the judge!
1. One curious fact comes from Botero’s childhood when he actually wanted to be a bullfighter. He used to sit beside the “Plaza de Toros la Macarena” to sell drawings combining this passion with his great ability to draw.
2. Every naked character or reference to sex implied in his artwork is the product of his own exploration of the topic through literature. His first contact with the sex topic was with the Divine Comedy; the book was hidden in his mother’s library.
3. Botero also uses his own sorrow as inspiration. Some of the situations that cause him pain are often found in his artwork such as the violence in Latin America or the prison in Abu Grhaib.
4. Fernando Botero affirms that his curiosity is responsible for his endless life as an artist, and for being still active and valid at his 82.
5. He also affirms that the arts are going through a rough period; there’s a lack of identity and originality, which ultimately results in works of art that are exactly the same. For him, there’s nothing new or different anymore.
6. It’s extremely hard for Botero to choose his favorite work of art. It is a tough decision for someone like him, who loves colors and shapes.
7. Fernando Botero considers fat figures as rather expanded. He says that he is obsessed with volume.
Get to know the most famous work of Fernando Botero and discover why when it comes to arts, The Answer is Colombia.
