The teacher Fernando Botero, with the simplicity that characterized him, once said when speaking about his death: “May my soul go to the store where they sell liquor”, but Colombia as a nation decided to say goodbye to him with all honors starting this Friday as the most universal of its artists.
The setting chosen was the National Capitol, decorated with sobriety for the occasion as a gesture of gratitude to the man who, with his paintings and sculptures of voluminous shapes, portrayed the Colombian idiosyncrasy and its customs, but also episodes of national life, such as recurrent violence and the search for peace.
“They said that he was the most Colombian of Colombians, and I couldn’t agree more,” said his daughter Lina Botero Zea, who spoke at the ceremony on behalf of the family, as well as one of the teacher’s grandchildren, and thanked “the way in which the country and the Government have welcomed back one of their favorite sons, Fernando Botero, my father.”
Lina Botero recalled that the teacher, “despite having lived almost his entire life outside of Colombia, had the country firmly inscribed in his heart.”
Man of his land
Fernando Botero Angulo was born on April 19, 1932 in Medellín, capital of the department of Antioquia, but the greatness of his work made him a universal Colombian, a trait highlighted today by all those who spoke at the solemn ceremony held in his memory. in the Elliptical Hall of the National Capitol, where the Colombian flag remains raised at half-mast.
Although he lived more than half of his 91 years in Europe, mainly in his homes in Pietrasanta (Italy), where he had his workshop, and in Monaco, the principality where he died on September 15, Botero never left Colombia, where he returned many times as another citizen, to share with his people and enjoy the landscapes, the food, and of course, the liquor.
“He said that to be universal you must first be local because by touching the roots of your land you also touch the deepest and most common fibers of all human beings,” added his daughter in emotional words interrupted at times by tears.
Solemn farewell
Family, friends and authorities from the three branches of government, as well as members of the diplomatic corps, gathered at the Capitol to honor him with all the pomp, an event that the Colombian president, Gustavo Petro, did not attend.
Soldiers from the Presidential Guard Battalion who carried the coffin covered with the national flag, decorations and words from politicians and family members set the solemn tone of the tribute in the Elliptical Hall, enlarged by chamber music performed in two moments by the National Symphony Orchestra and the National Choir.
“Master Botero will continue walking through the world,” highlighted the president of Congress, Senator Iván Name, who stressed that in the legislative chamber “heroic Colombians have been fired but we had never fired a universal man.”
The local and universal character of Botero was also highlighted in a motion of mourning approved by Congress, which highlights that the teacher, “a great painter and sculptor, was a great innovator in the plastic arts, he showed his genius in each of his brushstrokes.” and in the creation of his sculptures”.
“For Colombia, the life and work of Maestro Botero is the imprint of the great Colombian who, with his intellect and wisdom, permeated the hearts of the artistic world, leaving an indelible mark of his legacy, his colors and his love for his country.” , states the duel motion.
Another trait of the teacher highlighted by those who participated in the event was his altruism and “generosity for the land that he so proudly carried in his heart,” as the legislative motion says.
“Until the last moment my father stayed updated and concerned about the country, trying to provide others with the same opportunities that made a colossal difference in his life for him,” added Lina Botero.
And so, in the midst of widespread recognition of his artistic and human qualities, Colombia began tributes to the teacher that will continue in Bogotá until Monday, the day he will be taken to his native Medellín.
“In the end his ashes will return to Pietrasanta, that Italian town of artists and craftsmen where he worked on sculpture for more than 40 years of his life,” said his daughter about her father’s final resting place, who will rest next to his wife, the Greek artist Sophia Vari, who died last May.
2023-09-23 00:13:36
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