Expat Community > Colombia

huepucha
Joined 2022
Posts: 477

in De Los Gordos

1 year ago

Fernando Botero died today. His legacy defines for better or worse the contemporary art of Colombia. During his career he achieved enormous success both economically and in the world of contemporary art during the ‘60s, 70s, and 80s and into the ‘90s. His work has a popular appeal as it was story telling in a semi realistic style with the added humor of the fatties. Interestingly one of his early influences was Alberto Vargas famous for his pinup Vargas Girls published in Esquire Magazine. It isn’t hard to see the connection. Botero was frequently panned by contemporary art critics for adhering to his shtick of the gordos and the simplistic nature of their appeal. At one point when he was called on the carpet for his endless repetition of the theme he countered that El Greco had never changed his style throughout his career so why should he. May he rest in peace. I think it is unfortunate that for years to come Colombian contemporary art will be defined by Botero’s gordos when there are far more important Colombian contemporary artists on the scene including two of my favorites, Doris Salcedo and hot on the scene Óscar Murillo not to mention the late Omar Rayo with his less impactful but fun works in the manner of Trompe L’oei and the earlier great monumental works by Rodrigo Arenas Betancourt like the statue of Bolívar as Condor in Manizales or the Liberator Christ sculpture in the Metropolitan Cathedral of Barranquilla. There are many more contemporary artists in Colombia breaking new ground. Anyone interested in Contemporary Colombian art should check out the magazine Art Nexus,

GeoBlue

Top-quality coverage for people who live, work, study and travel internationally.
Get Quote

GeoBlue

Top-quality coverage for people who live, work, study and travel internationally.
Get Quote

Living in Colombia Guide

Expats in Colombia discuss the pros and cons of living in Colombia. From the Colombian people to driving to taxes and more. As challenging as it can be, expats in Colombia clearly find that there is a lot to love about a country that is a surprising expat hot spot.

Colombia Forum
Join our Colombia forum to meet other expats and talk about living in Colombia.

Contribute
Help other expats and newcomers by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Colombia.

Best Places to Live in Colombia

If you're considering a move to Colombia, here are the 15 Best Places to Live in Colombia in 2023.

Healthcare in Colombia

Our guide to healthcare in Colombia covers public and private healthcare in Colombia, hospitals, vaccinations, prescription medications and more.

Cost of Living in Colombia

Expats offer insight into the cost of living in Colombia.

Moving to Colombia Guide

With its bustling cities, beautiful beaches and friendly Colombians, Colombia is an increasingly popular destination for expats of all ages. Expats in Colombia offer insightful tips for those moving to Colombia.

Real Estate in Colombia

Real estate listings in popular cities and towns in Colombia.

Pros & Cons of Living in Colombia

Take off your rose-colored glasses and learn what expats have to say about the biggest challenges and the greatest rewards of living in Colombia.

Retiring in Colombia

Advice for people retiring in Colombia.

10 Tips for Living in Colombia

If you've recently arrived in Colombia, here are 10 tips for digital nomads living in Colombia.

Additional Information:

Visit our Colombia Index for a Full List

GeoBlue

Top-quality coverage for people who live, work, study and travel internationally.
Get Quote

GeoBlue

Top-quality coverage for people who live, work, study and travel internationally.
Get Quote

Contribute
Help others in Colombia by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Colombia.

Login

Or, Send Login Link

Expat Community > Colombia

in De Los Gordos

Login