Casa de Raquel Vega (Medellin, Colombia)

Fernando Botero’s artistic signature is unmistakable. His characteristic style is named “boterismo” after himself. In it, he creates his own universe of figurative scenes and still lifes. Botero sees volume as a key element of art. In his work he applies increased volume to everything and everyone. Whether human figure, animal or object, whether young or old, Botero blows them all up and changes the proportions. His themes are diverse. He paints nudes, portraits, cardinals, saints, brothel scenes, the military, landscapes, animals, and still lifes, all before a background depicting his own Latin American origins. His pictures may seem harmless and cheerful, as the lushness of his subjects and the rich life he depicts can cover up the serious contents of his works, which include comments on the political instability of Latin America. His figures with their clear surfaces and forms are truly fascinating. They seem to be calm and self-contained and although they are oversized they seem delicate. Even in group pictures these figures are alone and focused on themselves. Botero takes pleasure in the sensuality of volume and in the richness of form. He transforms the proportions of the real world and seems to be embracing all his models with great gentleness—whether these are ladies, dictators, or pug dogs.