Francisco Toledo’s kites represent a unique fusion between contemporary art and Mexican folk tradition. More than objects to play with, they are aerial canvases that narrate the mythology of Juchitán and the imaginary of one of Mexico’s most important visual artists.
In this blog we will discover the history of master Francisco Toledo and the importance of his kites, as well as introduce you to some of the original pieces from Toledo’s workshop that we have available for you.
Table of Contents
Who was Francisco Toledo: The soul behind the design?
To understand the depth of Francisco Toledo’s kites, it is essential to know the man behind the work. Francisco Benjamín López Toledo, known simply as Maestro Toledo, was a multidisciplinary artist, activist and philanthropist from Oaxaca whose influence had a definitive impact on contemporary Mexican art.
His work was not limited to painting; it included ceramics, sculpture, engraving and, of course, the design of everyday objects elevated to the category of art. Toledo was a tireless defender of Oaxacan culture and natural heritage. His artistic vision was characterized by a technical irreverence and a deep connection with nature, elements that are vividly reflected in each of his kites.
The importance and history of its kites
Francisco Toledo took his art beyond museums and galleries, elevating it to the sky through his emblematic kites. Inspired by the biodiversity of Oaxaca, these pieces fuse popular tradition with his artistic vision, transforming an everyday object into a celebration of nature, life and indigenous cultures.
These kites were also an act of solidarity and protest. Created by Toledo together with the workers of the Taller Arte y Papel in San Agustín Etla, they emerged as a way to demand justice for the 43 missing students of Ayotzinapa and to accompany, from a distance, their relatives. As the artist himself expressed: “If we are looking for them underground, we must also look for them in the air. I trust they are still alive”.
Acquire a collector’s item at DeCorazón México
At DeCorazón México we have two kites made by the Arte Papel Vista Hermosa workshop, the historic paper workshop where the master Francisco Toledo developed several projects. In this space he experimented with the elaboration of paper from natural fibers, material that was later used for the creation of kites with the artist’s own designs.
Below you will find the available parts.
Large kite #11
Large format piece made with the engraving technique, in which rabbits, one of the most iconic animals in the work of master Francisco Toledo, take center stage. Measuring 55 × 70 cm, it is ideal for framing and taking home an emblematic design by one of the great Mexican artists.
Papalote chico #2
Also made with the engraving technique, this kite features a monkey holding its tail, one of the artist’s most well-known and emblematic designs. Measuring 33 × 50 cm, it is an ideal piece to highlight any space in your home or office.
Each one of the kites has the seal and serial number given by the Arte Papel Vista Hermosa workshop, which guarantees that it is an original piece.
Conclusion
Mexican art has the ability to transform the everyday into the extraordinary, and Francisco Toledo’s kites are living proof of this. From their conception in the master’s mind to their crafting in Oaxaca, each kite embodies a story of identity, cultural resistance and creative passion.
If you have any questions or want to know more about the pieces, please do not hesitate to contact us or visit us in our physical gallery.
Location
Just 30 minutes away from the Mexican handicraft bazaar you can find these and other collectibles in our handicraft store. Plaza. Mexico City at Plaza San Jacinto #20 in San Ángel, ZIP code 01000. or in our online store https://decorazonmexico.com/
References
Esmeralda (n. d.). Francisco Toledo. https://www.esmeralda.edu.mx/francisco-toledo
Hernández, D. (September 7, 2019). Francisco Toledo embodied the activist soul of Oaxaca. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/es/2019/09/07/espanol/america-latina/francisco-toledo-arte-activismo-mexico.html
National Institute of Fine Arts and Literature (INBAL) (2019, September 5). Francisco Toledo, universal visual artist, died today in his native Oaxaca. https://inba.gob.mx/prensa/12923/francisco-toledo-artista-plastico-universal-fallecio-hoy-en-su-natal-oaxaca
Navarro, L. H. (September 6, 2019). A kite for Francisco Toledo. La Jornada. https://www.jornada.com.mx/2019/09/06/opinion/a02a1cul
