Ponti Art Gallery is interested in buying and selling works
of art by this artist.
Francisco Toledo Biography
Francisco Benjamín López Toledo, born on July 17, 1940, in Mexico City, was a Mexican Zapotec painter, sculptor, and graphic artist whose career spanned seven decades. Toledo's work, which included thousands of pieces, earned him recognition as one of Mexico's most significant contemporary artists. His activism and dedication to promoting the artistic culture and heritage of Oaxaca state were as influential as his art, making him a key figure in the preservation of Mexican cultural traditions.
Toledo's parents, Francisco López Orozco and Florencia Toledo Nolasco, were Zapotec, and he often considered himself from Juchitán, Oaxaca, the land of his cultural and emotional roots. Despite being born in the capital, Toledo's upbringing in various parts of Oaxaca and Veracruz deeply influenced his connection to his indigenous heritage. His early exposure to art came at the Escuela de Bellas Artes de Oaxaca and the Centro Superior de Artes Aplicadas del Instituto Nacional de Mexico, where he studied graphic arts under Guillermo Silva Santamaria.
At the age of 19, Toledo's solo exhibition in Fort Worth, Texas, garnered international attention. His journey as an artist took him to Paris in 1960, where he was mentored by fellow Zapotec artist Rufino Tamayo and introduced to the intellectual circle of writer Octavio Paz. Toledo's time in Paris was marked by his exposure to European artistic traditions, which he later integrated with Mexican styles to create a unique body of work.
Toledo's art is characterized by its portrayal of flora and fauna, mythical imagery, and erotic content. His style has been compared to that of Paul Klee, Marc Chagall, and Joan Miró, with a deep appreciation for nature's minutiae. His work often featured indigenous Zapotec iconography and was known for its use of traditional materials such as amate paper. Toledo's pieces have been exhibited worldwide, including in Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Spain, the United Kingdom, Belgium, France, Japan, Sweden, and the United States.
In 1980, the Museo de Arte Moderno in Mexico City hosted a retrospective of his work, and he was featured at the Venice Biennale in 1997. Toledo's art activism led to the establishment of several cultural institutions in Oaxaca, including the Museo de Arte Contemporáneo de Oaxaca (MACO), the Instituto de Artes Gráficas de Oaxaca (IAGO), a library for the blind, a photographic center, and the Eduardo Mata Music Library. He was instrumental in preventing the construction of a McDonald's in Oaxaca City's main square and was a vocal opponent of the spread of genetically modified corn in Mexico.
Toledo's personal life was as rich as his professional one. He married three times, with his third wife being Danish weaver Trine Ellitsgaard. He was the father of poet Natalia Toledo and artists Laureana Toledo and Dr Lakra. His legacy extends beyond his own family, as he inspired and supported new generations of artists, turning Oaxaca into a significant global art destination.
Toledo's contributions to art and culture were recognized with several awards, including the Mexican National Prize for Arts and Sciences (1998), the Prince Claus Award (2000), the Federico Sescosse Prize (2003), and the Right Livelihood Award (2005). His death on September 5, 2019, at the age of 79, was mourned by many, including Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, who declared that "art is in mourning."
Francisco Toledo's impact on the art world and his efforts to preserve and promote Oaxacan culture have left an indelible mark. His work continues to be celebrated and studied, and his commitment to social and cultural causes serves as an inspiration to artists and activists alike. His legacy lives on through the institutions he helped establish and the vibrant cultural scene in Oaxaca that he was so instrumental in shaping.
Francisco Toledo Quotes and
Sales of Works
Ponti Art Gallery selects and deals with paintings by the
artist. Upon request, we provide free estimates and
evaluations, communicate prices, quotations, and current
market values.
If you are interested in BUYING or SELLING works by the
artist, contact us immediately.
If you wish to sell or receive an evaluation of the
works:
Send us a frontal photo of the painting, one of the back,
and one of the signature. Also, indicate the dimensions of
the work. Inform us about the purchase origin of the work
and any kind of available documentation (purchase
receipts, certificates of authenticity, publications). One
of our operators will respond to you on the same day. We
guarantee maximum confidentiality and extreme
professionalism.
If you wish to purchase works by the painter: Contact us
and let us know your request. We will inform you about the
available works. We also offer the possibility to
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