Ruben & Isabel Toledo: Labor of Love

December 16, 2018 – July 7, 2019

Updated Dec 15, 2018

The Detroit Institute of Arts presents Ruben and Isabel Toledo: Labor of Love, a major exhibition of new works created by the artistic couple in response to works in the DIA’s permanent collection.

This three-part exhibition project includes a large-scale installation designed by the Toledos in response to iconic Diego Rivera cartoons from his Detroit Industry Murals; additional new works by the Toledos responding to works in the DIA’s collection, located throughout the museum; and a collaboration with local nonprofit Sew Great Detroit, through which the Toledos worked with seamstresses from the organization to generate a collection of handmade limited-edition tote bags to complement the exhibition.

 

“Three Forces” (installation detail), 2018, Isabel Toledo, Cuban-American (born 1960) and Ruben Toledo, Cuban-American (born 1961); Rayon, silk, cotton, wool and lace. Courtesy of the artists and the Toledo Studio

The Detroit Institute of Arts presents Ruben and Isabel Toledo: Labor of Love, a major exhibition of new works created by the artistic couple in response to works in the DIA’s permanent collection.

This three-part exhibition project includes a large-scale installation designed by the Toledos in response to iconic Diego Rivera cartoons from his Detroit Industry Murals; additional new works by the Toledos responding to works in the DIA’s collection, located throughout the museum; and a collaboration with local nonprofit Sew Great Detroit, through which the Toledos worked with seamstresses from the organization to generate a collection of handmade limited-edition tote bags to complement the exhibition.

 

Images

“Synthetic Cloud”, 2018, Isabel Toledo, Cuban-American (born 1960) and Ruben Toledo, Cuban-American (born 1961); Nylon. Courtesy of the artists and the Toledo Studio

“Synthetic Cloud”, 2018, Isabel Toledo, Cuban-American (born 1960) and Ruben Toledo, Cuban-American (born 1961); Nylon. Courtesy of the artists and the Toledo Studio

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Synthetic Cloud”, 2018, (installation view from below), Isabel Toledo, Cuban-American (born 1960) and Ruben Toledo, Cuban-American (born 1961); Nylon. Courtesy of the artists and the Toledo Studio

"Synthetic Cloud”, 2018, (installation view from below), Isabel Toledo, Cuban-American (born 1960) and Ruben Toledo, Cuban-American (born 1961); Nylon. Courtesy of the artists and the Toledo Studio

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“Three Forces” (installation detail), 2018, Isabel Toledo, Cuban-American (born 1960) and Ruben Toledo, Cuban-American (born 1961); Rayon, silk, cotton, wool and lace. Courtesy of the artists and the Toledo Studio

“Three Forces” (installation detail), 2018, Isabel Toledo, Cuban-American (born 1960) and Ruben Toledo, Cuban-American (born 1961); Rayon, silk, cotton, wool and lace. Courtesy of the artists and the Toledo Studio

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“Three Forces” (installation detail), 2018, Isabel Toledo, Cuban-American (born 1960) and Ruben Toledo, Cuban-American (born 1961); Rayon, silk, cotton, wool and lace. Courtesy of the artists and the Toledo Studio

“Three Forces” (installation detail), 2018, Isabel Toledo, Cuban-American (born 1960) and Ruben Toledo, Cuban-American (born 1961); Rayon, silk, cotton, wool and lace. Courtesy of the artists and the Toledo Studio

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“Three Forces”, 2018, Isabel Toledo, Cuban-American (born 1960) and Ruben Toledo, Cuban-American (born 1961); Rayon, silk, cotton, wool and lace. Courtesy of the artists and the Toledo Studio

“Three Forces”, 2018, Isabel Toledo, Cuban-American (born 1960) and Ruben Toledo, Cuban-American (born 1961); Rayon, silk, cotton, wool and lace. Courtesy of the artists and the Toledo Studio

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“Synthetic Cloud”, 2018, Isabel Toledo, Cuban-American (born 1960) and Ruben Toledo, Cuban-American (born 1961); Nylon. Courtesy of the artists and the Toledo Studio

“Synthetic Cloud”, 2018, Isabel Toledo, Cuban-American (born 1960) and Ruben Toledo, Cuban-American (born 1961); Nylon. Courtesy of the artists and the Toledo Studio

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“Shape of Faith”, 2018, Isabel Toledo, Cuban-American (born 1960) and Ruben Toledo, Cuban-American (born 1961); Silk tulle with metal thread-work, metallic embroidery. Courtesy of the artists and the Toledo Studio

“Shape of Faith”, 2018, Isabel Toledo, Cuban-American (born 1960) and Ruben Toledo, Cuban-American (born 1961); Silk tulle with metal thread-work, metallic embroidery. Courtesy of the artists and the Toledo Studio

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“Shape of Faith” (detail), 2018, Isabel Toledo, Cuban-American (born 1960) and Ruben Toledo, Cuban-American (born 1961); Silk tulle with metal thread-work, metallic embroidery. Courtesy of the artists and the Toledo Studio

“Shape of Faith” (detail), 2018, Isabel Toledo, Cuban-American (born 1960) and Ruben Toledo, Cuban-American (born 1961); Silk tulle with metal thread-work, metallic embroidery. Courtesy of the artists and the Toledo Studio

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“Broomstick Librarian Shirtwaist Dresses”, Spring/Summer 2008, Created for American fashion brand Anne Klein, these colorful dresses were designed by Isabel Toledo and hand-painted by Ruben Toledo. Photograph by William Palmer

“Broomstick Librarian Shirtwaist Dresses”, Spring/Summer 2008, Created for American fashion brand Anne Klein, these colorful dresses were designed by Isabel Toledo and hand-painted by Ruben Toledo. Photograph by William Palmer

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