Mexican artist Francisco Toledo dies

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The Mexican artist Francisco Toledo, in a photograph of 2015. (ALFREDO ESTRELLA / AFP / Getty Images)

(CNN Spanish) - Mexican artist Francisco Toledo died Thursday, as confirmed by social networks the family of the Oaxacan painter, the president of Mexico, Andrés Manuel López Obrador, and the Ministry of Culture of the country. He was 79 years old.

"The Toledo family communicates with deep sadness that the teacher Francisco Toledo has passed away," reads a message on the official Facebook page of the Mexican painter and sculptor.

A tribute will be paid to the artist at the Institute of Graphic Arts of Oaxaca from 11:30 pm local time this Thursday, the message adds.

For his part, President López Obrador said in his verified Twitter account that “art is mourning. The teacher Francisco Toledo, Oaxaca, a great painter and extraordinary cultural promoter has passed away… ”

The art is in mourning. The teacher Francisco Toledo, Oaxaca, a great painter and extraordinary cultural promoter, a true defender of nature, customs and traditions of our people, has passed away. Rest in peace.

- Andrés Manuel (@lopezobrador_) September 6, 2019

Toledo was born on July 17, 1940 in Juchitán, Oaxaca, according to information from the Ministry of Culture and the official news agency of Mexico, Notimex.

From the Ministry of Culture we deeply regret the death of #FranciscoToledo, who was not only known for his talent and the irreverent and transgressive touch of his works but also for being a social fighter.

Mexico has lost one of its greatest artists. pic.twitter.com/bWA3PaP8ao

- Secretariat of Culture (@cultura_mx) September 6, 2019

He was a sculptor, painter, cultural promoter, book editor, teacher and activist focused on defending Oaxaca's cultural heritage and other altruistic works, Notimex said.