Table of contents
The Origins of Art in Oaxaca
Oaxaca’s artistic tradition dates back to pre-Hispanic times, where ceramics, textiles, and stonework were essential expressions of its identity. When discussing the History of Clay in Mexico, it is inevitable to mention Oaxaca: communities such as San Bartolo Coyotepec have kept alive the production of black clay, one of the region’s most emblematic crafts.
This respect for the land and natural materials paved the way for other artistic techniques to flourish centuries later, including printmaking.
Printmaking in Oaxaca: Tradition and Innovation
Printmaking arrived in Mexico through European colonization, but it was in the 20th century that Oaxaca embraced it as a tool for popular and political expression. Fueled by the boom of graphic arts across the country —with movements like the Taller de Gráfica Popular in Mexico City— Oaxaca experienced its own graphic renaissance led by artists such as Rufino Tamayo, Francisco Toledo, and Shinzaburo Takeda.
Francisco Toledo, in particular, played a crucial role in establishing printmaking as a legitimate art form, both within and beyond Oaxaca, founding spaces such as the Instituto de Artes Gráficas de Oaxaca (IAGO), which fosters the work of emerging talents.
Printmaking and Mexican Folk Art
Oaxacan printmaking stands out for its connection to indigenous roots, natural symbols, and deeply social narratives. These works, created on cotton paper, amate, or natural fibers, integrate seamlessly into the universe of Mexican Folk Art, alongside expressions such as clay, textiles, and wood carving.
The spirit that drives printmaking in Oaxaca is the same that animates folk art throughout Mexico: the desire to tell stories, preserve identities, and share worldviews unique to each community.
DeCorazón México: Celebrating the Oaxacan Legacy
Initiatives like DeCorazón México have been fundamental in promoting the recognition of Oaxacan art, including its vibrant graphic tradition. Through platforms dedicated to celebrating the best of national talent, DeCorazón México helps Oaxacan printmaking reach new generations, connecting artists with people who value authenticity and handmade beauty.
