Fernando Botero: Art that Broke the Rules. A Posthumous tribute.

Rodrigo Arciniega
3 min readSep 15, 2023

Today, we say our goodbyes to the incredible Colombian artist Fernando Botero, who passed away at the age of 91 due to pneumonia. His art was like nothing you’ve seen before, and it challenged the usual ideas about what’s beautiful. In this tribute, we’ll dive into Botero’s fascinating journey, his unique style, and how he changed the way people think about art and beauty.

An Art Rebel: Celebrating Life in a Big Way
Picture this: in a world where everyone was painting small and abstract, Botero decided to go big. He painted things that were round and full of life, unlike anything else at the time. But why did he do it?

Botero didn’t want his art to be like everyone else’s. He thought art should be free from rules, and he showed us that beauty comes in all shapes and sizes. His art was like a big, joyful celebration of life.

Changing Beauty: Making Art Different
Botero didn’t just paint big figures; he made them special. He painted people and things with big, exaggerated features. It was his way of saying,

“Hey, beauty isn’t just about being perfect.”

Botero wanted us to look closer and see that beauty is everywhere, even in the small details. He taught us that beauty can be surprising and exciting.

A 12-foot bronze cat sculpture by the Colombian figurative artist stands proudly at the entrance of The Crosby Hotel in Soho, NYC.

Inspired by Real Life: Everyday People as Heroes
Botero’s art was full of interesting people and animals. He loved painting regular folks who you’d see on the street. But for him, they weren’t just regular — they were heroes.

He painted people who showed strength and courage, even when life was tough. Botero’s art was like a shout-out to those who don’t always get the spotlight.

Photo of Botero, by Prometheus72/Shutterstock

The Latin American Connection: Where Botero’s Art Comes From
To really get Botero’s art, you have to understand where he came from. He was from Colombia, and that place had a big impact on his art.

His paintings showed the energy and history of Latin America. They celebrated life, even when things were hard.

A Legacy of Bold and Beautiful Art
Fernando Botero’s art was a breath of fresh air. It defied conventions and revealed that beauty can reside in the most unexpected corners of life. Like other renowned artists who followed their own paths, Botero’s art will continue to inspire us for generations to come. Fernando Botero, may your bold and beautiful creations endure eternally.

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Rodrigo Arciniega

Cultural manager and curator | interested in modern and contemporary art and the art market.