El arte de Fernando Botero (Spanish Edition)

Fernando Botero creates quite possibly the most instantly recognizable paintings in the world, featuring figures with swollen yet sensuous proportions. In his personal circles he is known for his relentless work ethic and somewhat turbulent family life. His youngest son died at a young age from a car accident, and he has a strained relationship with his eldest child, also named Fernando, owing to political scandals. Although it is not explicitly stated, readers should know that the book is written by one of Botero's sons, Juan Carlos. Family politics take a backseat here as Juan Carlos attempts to write a distant and authoritative, comprehensive tome on his father's oeuvre. In an April 2010 interview with elcolombiano.com, Juan Carlos, a novelist living in southern Florida, explains that he has attempted to give an objective analysis of his father's artwork without seeming like a family member had written it. Unfortunately, that analysis is not sufficiently rigorous; nor does the book give the reader a satisfactory glimpse into the artist's psyche despite the presumed unlimited access tothe artist himself. . Nonetheless, the book provides a respectable look at Botero's career and importance to the art world at large. The book is divided into six major parts, covering distinct themes and stages of the artists' very prolific career. Fully illustrated, referenced, and indexed. Recommended for bookstores.—Laura Torres, Somerville, MA