He is one of Latin America’s most celebrated artists. Colombian painter and sculptor Fernando Botero’s voluptuous figures are considered a cornerstone of contemporary art. <br /><br /> An exhibition of his scale models in chalk is being held in the Italian city of Spoleto. Alberto de Filippis met him there, to discuss his art, influences and home country. <br /><br /> AdB<br />“We all know your bronze works. Why, this time in Spoleto, have you decided to focus on your work in chalk?” <br /><br /> FB<br />“Well, staging an exposition with bronze works is quite complicated because many of these pieces belong to private or public collections. But when someone creates a sculpture, he always keeps the chalk model, which is the real core of the sculpture. Chalk is a beautiful, noble and shiny material. I have all of this collection in my studio in Pietrasanta, here in Italy. Spoleto offered me an outstanding place, perfect to display 50 pieces, here at the Spoleto festival. <br /><br /> For the first time in Spoleto 48 chalks by #Botero
