Fernando BOTERO ANGULO (1932- 2023), Equilibrista

lithograph, heavyweight vellum paper, 53 x 35 cm (composition), 65 x 50 (sheet), numbered in pencil 24/300, signed from the plate under the composition "Botero" l.d., dry publisher's stamp p.d.: "ARTIS"; hologram "verification of authenticity" on the back. Original certificate.

Fernando Botero, born in 1932 in Medellín, Colombia, is one of the most recognizable contemporary artists. Botero's style, often referred to as "Boterismo," is instantly recognizable for its disproportionate approach to human anatomy and form. His figures are typically exaggerated, with large, rounded bodies and faces. This stylization is not only aesthetic, but also symbolic, often commenting on society, politics and human nature. Botero eschews realism in favor of a more abstract yet expressive representation of the world.
The painting "Equilibrista" (also known as "Clown in his trailer") is an excellent example of this style. A woman with an umbrella standing on a man's head symbolizes a certain absurdity and delicacy of the situation, where balance and equilibrium are key. Possible interpretations include commentary on balance in human relationships, the role of gender, as well as allusions to circus art and performance as a metaphor for life. Botero often uses vivid, saturated colors to capture the viewer's attention. The colors in his works are usually pure and intense, which gives his works added energy and expression. In "Equilibrista," we can see these qualities in the bright, contrasting colors that emphasize the grotesqueness and theatricality of the scene.
Fernando Botero's works are exhibited in many prestigious museums and galleries around the world, as well as in private collections. His works can be seen in, among others: Botero Museum in Bogotá, Colombia, this museum has one of the largest collections of Botero's works, which the artist himself donated to Colombia. It includes both his paintings and sculptures, the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York, USA, the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain and the National Art Museum of Catalonia, Barcelona, Spain.
Fernando Botero's paintings fetch high prices at auctions ranging from several hundred thousand to several million dollars. They are in high demand among both private collectors and art institutions, a testament to his lasting influence on contemporary art. His unique style and ability to combine humor with profound social commentary make his works not only aesthetically valuable, but also intellectually provocative.