Thursday 7 October 2010

Fernando Botero


At the end of September, my Rare One and I went on a little weekend road trip with friends. Destination: Calgary. We were keen to take in the Glenbow Museum's major exhibit of the works of Colombian artist Fernando Botero. We were not disappointed -- the exhibit was fabulous and it was a much larger retrospective than we expected.

Botero's style is pretty unique -- all his creations are large, rotund and fleshy. Men, women, children, animals -- in his art, not a single one is skinny, angular or sharp-edged. In a culture that worships thinness (especially in women), his work is very subversive.

Botero is essentially a modern Rubens. And I luuuuvs me a beautiful Rubenesque female form!

Botero's work encompasses both paintings and sculptures. The three paintings in this post are among his most famous. But I love his sculptures even more, because the voluptuous female form is portrayed in gorgeous three dimensional bronze.

Tomorrow's post: my favourite Botero sculpture!

22 comments:

CorvusCorax12 said...

never heard of him..great paintings

turquoisemoon said...

I've never heard of him either, but I really like his paintings. They're fun and filled with energy. Looking forward to seeing his sculptures.

Jeanne said...

Oh Wow! How lucky you were to get to see some of Botero's work! I love his paintings! :0)
But didn't know he sculpted. Anxiously awaiting tomorrow's post....

Snap said...

Botero makes me smile!!!!!!

Wendy said...

Oh I love his art...He appreciates a Goddess that is truly neglected today!
Thank you for sharing this, Debra :)

brandi said...

~my kind of artist...round and voluptuous...full of life within them...look forward to tomorrow...warm wishes and brightest blessings~

Jim said...

Thanks for the intro Debra. Love the very vivid colours and almost surreal look.
Jim

RA said...

Aha! This is a new name for me. But I like what I see. Curious about the sculpture... with these voluptuous forms it must be breathtaking. :)

mxtodis123 said...

I, too, have never heard from him, but these are great paintings. I'd like to learn more about him.
Mary

Auntie sezzzzzz... said...

Yessssssssss! He most certainly is a modern Rubens.

Heidi Alfonzo said...

Lovelovelovelove Botero. One of my favorites!

I also wanted to let you know that I will not be updating Twelve18 the way I was doing up to now. I will be posting an update sometime soon. As you will see I have deleted most posts and others have been transfered to my (many) Tumblr blogs!

But, you know? That project was made possible because of people like you. I will thank you forever for being so supportive of me and for all your comments.

Stay tuned!

Much love :o)

Unknown said...

I've never seen his work before but I could quite easily become a fan. I really enjoy seeing more Rubeneque art, probably because I can relate to it more ;-)

Ocean Breezes and Country Sneezes said...

I can't say that I'd go out an buy one, (nor could I afford one - LOL) but I do appreciate all artwork, thank you for introducing me to Botero!

jaz@octoberfarm said...

i have always loved botero's work!

Sara said...

Love this artist. Looking forward to tomorrow's post too. And you were in Calgary and didn't come say hi to me? :) hehe

SUZY8-TRACK said...

Not familiar with this artist, but I especially love the chubby kitties.

Rue said...

These are great! I love how colourful they are, and the roundness of everything! Curves are a good thing!

K(Banterings of a Basketcase) said...

I first saw his work in a lingerie shop and had to look him up. Then I was lucky enough to see his work at an art museum close to my house (and practically free!) I own a nice book of his work. I hear he started painting like this because of his painting of a guitar- he painted the hole too small and realized it looked chubby and he really liked it that way.

yellowdoggranny said...

oh wow...I have no clue who he is..but wow..i love them.

laughingwolf said...

coolios, deb... but the country is colombia ;)

Debra She Who Seeks said...

Thanks, Laughingwolf, I'll make that correction!

Anonymous said...

OMIGOSH! Tragic that I have to learn from an Edmontonian about this exhibition O_o I must hie me hence to marvel at the rotundity and delicious abundance of curves!