Toussaint creates poignant drawings and paintings that make metaphoric references to emotional states of being. He is associated with the artists loosely banded under the term neomexicanismo because of his similar focus on personal identity in the context of pervasive and restrictive Mexican cultural and social conventions. Toussaint images support a story or message that he shares with the viewer like a good friend with whom he holds in confidence.
Born in Guadalajara, Mexico, in 1960, Toussaint, of French and Mexican descent, was interested in making art at a young age. Following his parents’ expectations to make a living, he entered the Universidad Autonoma de Guadalajara to obtain a degree in architecture (he graduated in 1985 with a Bachelor of Science degree). During this time, he was encouraged by a professor from the nearby Visual Arts Department to make art on his own. Invited to work at the open workshop at the Centro de Arte Moderno, he made prints from 1982-83 and soon after, he embarked on a series of paintings. By the mid 1980s he had forged relationships with art professionals from the center, and was soon asked to collaborate as an assistant curator at the Instituto Cultural Cabañas—his career in architecture officially replaced with art.
1995 he moved to Miami FL. Where he showed his work in several galleries and resided in Miami for 3 years then moved to Tucson where in august 2000 became a Dinnerware Art Gallery member. He has had several exhibits in different Mexican cities as well as other countries like Spain, France, Korea and the United Sates.
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