Fernando Botero created a distinctive artistic language, reinterpreting European masterpieces through rounded figures and enlarged sizes. According to BBC Culture, his works also open up a debate about the Latin American country in the history of art.
The Colombian artist returned to the creations of Leonardo da Vinci, Velázquez, Rafael and Piero della Francesca, working in his style, known as Boterismo.
In June 1978, the famous portrait remains familiar, but it takes on the distinctive shapes and sizes of Botero. This approach is also shown in his paintings and sculptures, where humans, animals, and objects gain an outstanding presence through volume.
Botero opposed the idea that he painted merely sound pictures. To him, expanding forms was part of artistic research and a way to convey contentment through color and composition.
Its interpretations also reflect the combination of European heritage with Latin American visual culture, giving the latter a special voice.
The artist’s works are presented at the éernando Botero exhibition: In Price of an Amplified World, opened at London’s Opera Gallery until 22 November.
Source Layer: Dukeagini
