Works by Mexican Artist Francisco Toledo Featured
A new exhibition devoted to the work of Mexican artist Francisco Toledo (pronounced
toe-LEY-doe), whom many consider to be the most important Latino artist of his generation, opens in March at the Toledo Museum of Art.
The 35 works on paper assembled for Mexico’s Toledo include prints from the Museum’s own collection and feature art works borrowed from the collection of Harold and Mary Douthit of Sandusky. The exhibition also includes loans from local collectors Felix Sampayo, Jerry Runkle and Mary Dawson.
Many of the works have never before been seen in a public venue. In addition to prints, two of his small bronze sculptures are being shown.
Mexico’s Toledo will be on exhibition March 12 – May 9, 2010, in Gallery 18 of the Museum. The exhibition is free and open to the public.
Toledo was born in 1940 in Oaxaca, Mexico. He moved to Mexico City at the age of 15 and at the age of 20 went to Europe to learn engraving and printmaking from the British master Stanley William Hayter. In 1968 he moved back to Oaxaca, where he continues to live today.
Hughly prolific, Toledo finds inspiration in the culture of Mexico, his native state of Oaxaca and his ethnic heritage.
“He is one of the most important printmakers of his generation anywhere in the world and is one of the most prominent artists in Mexico today,” says Amy Gilman, associate curator of modern and contemporary art at the Museum who has organized the exhibition.
“His work,” she continues, “marries Western and European tradition with his indigenous ancestry. Using surrealist influences and a deep knowledge of printmaking technique, his art shows an appreciation for the aesthetics of nature. He often uses myth and Native American folktales in his works. Indigenous animals, whose countenance often invoke a sensual mystery, interact with human beings in a world where all are equal in nature and equally disregarding of nature’s laws.”
Toledo also incorporates “nagual,” which is the belief that all humans have an animal counterpart to which their life force is linked.
There is an earthy, seductive quality to his dreamlike scenarios, both menacing and playful, full of pattern and movement,” Gilman said.
The exhibition contains content of an adult nature. Viewer discretion is advised.
The Museum has an array of free exhibition-related public programs. The programming is made possible with the support of TMA members and the Ohio Arts Council’s sustainable grant program that encourages economic growth, educational excellence and cultural enrichment for all Ohioans. Admission to the Museum is free.
For more information, visit www.toledomuseum.org or call 419-255-8000.
Press Release Contact Name: Teri Sharp
Press Release Contact Email: [email protected]
Organization Name: Toledo Museum of Art