Tour of the Volcano 1966

This is Fernando Botero's 'Tour of the Volcano,' and it looks like it was made with oil on canvas. The first thing I see is how Botero is using a limited palette to create a whole world. Look closely at the paint itself. It's smooth, almost like skin, which makes the figures feel both present and a little unreal. Botero’s trick is to make figures that are monumental, but also kind of soft, like they could deflate if you poked them! The tiny red shoes and delicate flowers feel like a humorous contrast to the imposing figure. I'm reminded of other artists who play with form and volume, like Gaston Lachaise or even Philip Guston, who knew how to make seriousness and humor dance together. It’s a reminder that art isn’t always about answers, but about keeping the conversation going.