Known as the pioneer for modern Mexican graphics art, Francisco Diaz de Leon was born on September 24, 1897. He grew up in Aguascalientes and since his father was a bookbinder, he came to love books. After showing a talent for art, Francisco earned a scholarship to La Escuela Nacional de las Bellas Artes and went to Mexico City to study painting and drawing. He learned engraving techniques with Alfredo Ramos Martinez' school Chimalistac Open Air School of Painting and went on to become a teacher and a known leader of the modern movement in graphic arts in Mexico. He was also a writer, photographer and collector of graphic art.
In addition to reviving techniques such as drypoint, aqua tint and woodcut, he developed linoleum printing and introduced special Japanese paper to Mexico, for printing. His work was focused on the themes of landscapes, indigenous people, and modern form and color rather than politics. He designed numerous posters, books, catalogs and magazines. Leon edited the magazine Mexican Art and Life with Gabriel Fernandez Ledesma and had many works published in the magazine. He had few exhibitions since his career was focused on graphic arts.
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