Fernando Botero, Colombian painter and sculptor known for his inflated forms, died at 91

Bogota – Colombia — The famous Colombian painter and sculptor Fernando Botero, whose depictions of people and objects in exaggerated, round shapes became emblems of Colombian art around the world, has died. He was 91 years old.

Lina Botero told Colombian radio Caracol that her father died Friday morning in Monaco from complications of pneumonia.

Botero depicted politicians, animals, saints, and scenes from his childhood in a puffy, colorful form that was instantly recognizable. During his lifetime, the artist achieved worldwide fame and influence, despite his humble origins, and his paintings were exhibited around the world, while his imposing bronze sculptures can be found in the parks and avenues of many capitals European and Latin American.

“His success was truly immense,” wrote Juan Carlos, Botero’s son, in a biography of his father, published in 2010. “Fernando Botero created a unique, original and easy to recognize style.”

Botero was born on April 19, 1932 in Medellín, Colombia. As a child he was enrolled by an uncle in a bullfighting school which he soon left, but it was a world later captured in his paintings.