Francisco Toledo

An artist, an activist, and organizer, the Mexican artist, and activist Francisco Toledo's (1940-2019) paintings were inspired by the cultural values of the indigenous Zapotec heritage. As a hugely respected artist around the world, Toledo’s art reflects the history and mythology he imbibed growing up in Mexico, illustrating a vast array of real and imaginary animals in unconventional yet traditional settings. Bidsquare’s online auction of Francisco Toledo continues to offer competitive pricing.

An active promoter, sponsor, and disseminator of the arts and crafts of his native state, Oaxaca, Francisco Toledo's paintings, lithographs, engravings, sculpture, ceramics, and tapestry weaving often display the influence of Surrealism, especially by Paul Klee, Jean Dubuffet, Joan Miró, and Francisco Goya, in addition to folk art. Aside from its exaggerated and fantastical forms, his hybrid style is characterized by its geometry and texture. The works of Toledo feature Playful depictions of monkeys, insects, and skeletons in earthy tones that reflect his Native American heritage and love of nature.

Several solo exhibitions of Toledo's work have been held at the Reina Sofia Museum in Madrid, the Whitechapel Gallery in the UK, and the Princeton University Art Museum in the US. As well as exhibiting internationally, he was included in the Venice Biennale in 1997. A year later, he was awarded the Mexican national prize for arts and sciences. 

In recognition of dedicating his life and his art to preserving and enhancing the culture, environment, and community life of Oaxaca, Francisco Toledo received the Right Livelihood Award, considered Sweden’s alternative Nobel prize.

Interesting Facts about Francisco Toledo

• Toledo is also known as El Maestro, the vortex of energy, and a motivator.
• The 1973 painting Tortuga poniendo huevos was sold at Christie’s in 2018 for $1,032,000 — a world-record price for Francisco Toledo at auction.