Botero – Paintings 1975-1990. Catalogue Raisonné

„No, I don’t paint fat people“, is how Botero answers this question time and again, a statement that comes across at first confusing and provocative. But the widely known art of Fernando Botero (*1932) must be read on a variety of levels. The different meanings unfold when scrutinized under the lens of both his historical development and the intentions of the messages that his paintings, drawings and sculptures convey.

His paintings and sculptures are united by their proportionally exaggerated figures. Botero depicts women, men, daily life, historical events and characters, milestones of art, still-life, animals and the natural world in general, with exaggerated and disproportionate volume, accompanied by fine details of scathing criticism, irony, humor, and ingenuity. The Columbian painter and sculptor charges his works with ambiguous allusions to the culture of his homeland. Scenes that seem cheerful and harmless, actually provide profound insight into the history of (post)colonialism.

Regarding this heavy-weight catalogue you cannot avoid the phenomenon Botero, as it is presented in such colourful and huge manner and leaves no wishes concerning its scientific value. The volume is the fruit of several years of research and covers Botero’s paintings produced from 1975 to 1990: a reference tool combining scientific insight with aesthetic pleasure.