Artist Fernando Botero spoke during a press conference and presentation at Americas Society about the inspiration behind his circus paintings published in his new book Circus: Paintings and Works on Paper. The artist explained how he was inspired by the bright colors and movements of a traveling circus he encountered in a small town in Mexico.

On October 21, Americas Society hosted the launch of Fernando Botero’s book Circus: Paintings and Works on Paper. Inspired by a traveling circus he encountered in a small Mexican town on the Pacific coast, Fernando Botero uses bright colors and unexpected movement to celebrate the poetry of the circus in Circus: Paintings and Works on Paper. This latest title marks the first time the complete circus series has ever been published together as a collection and represents all of the esteemed artist’s work on one of his favorite subjects.

Botero was interviewed by Gina Tarver, assistant professor of art history at Texas State University. A book signing session followed the presentation.

See selected works from Botero's new book.

AS/COA Senior Director of Policy Christopher Sabatini gave an interview to Caracol's America 360, speaking about Colombia's next elections and the political climate in the country.

Commenting on the latest developments leading up to the Colombian elections—such as former President Álvaro Uribe’s candidacy for a senate seat—Sabatini welcomed the idea of ex-presidents and political influencers rejoining political institutions in Latin America. "The mere idea that he will run again in the institutional network to be elected, or re-elected in this case, is a great merit to the country," he explained. "This is a man who was someone with a Twitter account before—shouting and criticizing. Now at least he is a candidate, aiming to form a more coherent political position."

Speaking about recent protests in Colombia, Sabatini said a wave of popular demands throughout the region is expected after Latin America's decades of economic development. He considers the Colombian government's negotiation proposals a step ahead of responses to protests in neighboring countries like Argentina, Brazil, and Chile.

[in Spanish, starting at 10:15]