Fernando Botero

Painter

Birthday April 19, 1932

Birth Sign Aries

Birthplace Medellin, Colombia

DEATH DATE Sep 15, 2023 (91)

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About

Figurative painter and sculptor whose uniquely styled works included "Abu Ghraib" and "Woman with Fruit." His sculptures and paintings were noteworthy for their subjects' exaggerated proportions.

Before Fame

He began his career by publishing his illustrations in the El Colombiano daily paper. He gave his first exhibit in 1948, and his first one-man show was Galería Leo Matiz in 1951 in Bogotá.

Trivia

His sculptures from 1963 to 1964 were made with acrylic resin and sawdust because he couldn't afford bronze.

Family Life

He had three children with his first wife, Gloria Zea, who served as the Colombian Minister of Culture. Following his divorce from Zea, Botero had another child with Cecilia Zambrano and later married Sophia Vari.

Associated With

He was influenced by Diego Rivera.