Artist: Fernando Botero Created: 1982

Dancer

“In art, as long as you have ideas and think, you are bound to deform nature. Art is deformation” – Fernando Botero

Fernando Botero painted ‘Dancer’ in 1982, along with many other different versions of round-bodied dancers in various works over the years. This particular composition features two full-bodied individuals who appear to be completely captivated with one another. They hold each other affectionately; the man closes his eyes, perhaps revelling in his passion for his dance partner.

Although the scene in “Dancer” is set against a grey wall, the bright yellow curtain adorned with red roses makes for a lively atmosphere. The room seems small, but this could be an illusion caused by the oversize proportion of the dancing subjects. As the floor darkens under the folded curtain, it is reasonable to assume that the space is not a window, but an entrance to another room. An empty bottle rests on the floor surrounded by numerous cigarette butts, as though care for the room is insignificant, and to the far right of the painting is a small table with a drink upon it, common signs of a party. Hovering over the dancers are bright spotlights, which Botero uses to highlight the dancers and create perfect shading. One cannot help but examine “Dancer” in its entirety and appreciate the painting’s evident cheerful aura.

About the Artist

Fernando Botero is known as a “figurative” artist. His works depict characters, events and daily life, as well as animals, artistic milestones, and still-life. Botero’s art is recognized for its disproportionate sizes and meticulous details; however, Botero claims that he has never painted an overweight person in his life, stating that the apparent large proportions are a mere glorification of sensuality and life. Many of his art works, including ‘Dancer’, evoke ingenuity, humor, irony, and perhaps much controversy. His style of artistry has become known to many as “Boterismo”.

Self-titled “the most Colombian of Colombian artists”, Fernando Botero achieved national prominence by winning first prize at the Salón de Artistas Colombianos in 1958, an award that launched his career.  The artist recently celebrated his 80th birthday.

Most Recent Exhibitions (Wikipedia)
• "The Baroque World of Fernando Botero" 2009 - Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center
• "The Baroque World of Fernando Botero" 2009 - Brooks Museum of Art, Memphis, Tennessee
• "The Baroque World of Fernando Botero" 2009 - Bowers Museum, Santa Ana, California http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fernando_Botero - cite_note-15
• "Fernando Botero: Works On Paper, Paintings, and Sculptures" 2010 - David Benrimon Fine Art, New York, NY
• "The Baroque World of Fernando Botero" 2010 - Nevada Museum of Art, Reno, Nevada
• "Botero" 2010 - Pera Museum, Istanbul
• "The Baroque World of Fernando Botero" 2010 - Glenbow Museum, Calgary
• "The Baroque World of Fernando Botero" 2010-2011 - Winnipeg Art Gallery, Winnipeg
• "Botero" 2010 - Kunstforum, Vienna

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