Botero

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Audience Member I just watched this documentary at the Sunscreen Film Festival in Saint Petersburg, Florida. This is an excellent presentation of the artist's life, works, and conceptual ideas about his own work and personal trajectory. The documentary portrays his ascension from poverty to international fame thanks to his passion, hard work and an unshakable belief in art, even in the most difficult moments of his life, as a means to transform reality and to bring pleasure, beauty, and critical thinking to people. It was interesting to learn about his early influences, notably Italian Renaissance painters such as Piero della Francesca, and the artist's evolution regarding his research on volume and form, in painting as well as sculpture. His research on "monumentality," linked to his father's early death in the documentary, and his use of humor and irony, reminded me of French humanist writer Rabelais. I was surprised to learn about his extensive donations to museums in Colombia, which were key to the creation of the Botero Museum in Bogota. Other interesting parts, included a section on his more political paintings against violence in Colombia and elsewhere, such as his works on the Abu Ghraib's torture and abuse case. I would have liked to hear more from the women in his life as I wondered, while watching the film, how much they influenced his art, since often women function as Muses for artists (thinking of Dali or Picasso here mentioned in the film). There was some mention of Sophia Vari's own work. The only minus would be that the overwhelming presence of the artist's children (and other family members) almost overshadowed the artist at times. It would have been interesting to see more interviews of other personal acquaintances belonging to Botero's past in Colombia, France or Italy. A must-see for everyone who likes Botero, an impressive artist and human being. Rated 4/5 Stars •  Rated 4 out of 5 stars 01/31/23 Full Review Read all reviews

Botero

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