An artist is born like a priest is born. If they are born an artist, I would tell them art is not a game: it is something very serious which completely requires everything you have to give. Fernando Botero artartistbear Change image and share on social
The circus is a global theme. It exists in all parts of the world - maybe not in Africa, but it exists in Asia in all parts. In Latin America, it's difficult to find a person who hasn't gone to the circus. Fernando Botero africaamericaasia share on social
The only duty an artist has is in the quality of the art. There is no moral obligation to denounce. An artist confronted with a tremendous injustice sometimes feels inclined to say something. Denouncing the situation is the artist's choice. Fernando Botero artartistchoice share on social
My work is a self-portrait of my mind, a prism of my convictions. Fernando Botero convictionmindportrait Change image and share on social
I had an uncle who took me to the ring in Medellin when I was 15 years old. In school, we had someone who taught us how to bullfight. Fernando Botero bullfightmedellinring Change image and share on social
Art should be an oasis: a place or refuge from the hardness of life. Fernando Botero arthardnesslife Change image and share on social
Art is important because when people start to forget, art reminds them what happened. Like 'Guernica.' People would not remember the tragedy of Guernica today if it were not for that painting. Fernando Botero artforgetguernica Change image and share on social
I have the sensation of doing something good for people, more than being a trendy artist or a successful artist. Fernando Botero artistgoodpeople Change image and share on social
I have seen Colonial churches since I was very small, Colonial painting and polychrome sculpture. And that was all I saw. There was not a single modern painting in any museum, not a Picasso, not a Braque, not a Chagall. The museums had Colombian painters from the eighteenth century and, of course, I saw Pre-Columbian art. That was my exposure. Fernando Botero artbraquecentury share on social
The circus allows one to be logical and unreal at the same time. In the circus, all is possible: there can be a man with two heads or a character with a green face. Fernando Botero charactercircusface Change image and share on social