Linocuts by Eduardo Robledo Celebrate Mexican Heritage and Community

In the richly detailed linocuts of Eduardo Robledo, festive ceremonies, spiritual motifs, and dream-like interactions unfurl. The Mexico City-based artist was born and raised in the southern borough of Xochimilco, which is famous for its canals—vestiges of a huge Aztec water transport system still used today for bringing goods into the city. This area and its time-honored customs provide a bounty of inspiration for Robledo.

Community and celebration are at the heart of his work, as creatures and figures converge in enigmatic, sometimes ritualistic choreographies. Traditional motifs like skulls and skeletons, which represent remembrance, joy, and an acceptance of the cycle of life and death, interact with denizens of the region like armadillos, birds, reptiles, and more.

a linocut print by Eduardo Robleno of a peacock and an armadillo on either side of an upside-down rose — “Adiós” (2021), three-color linocut, 15 x 22 inches

Social activism has also played a strong role in Robledo’s practice, tapping into the power of printmaking to spread messages about causes he cares deeply about. “Printmaking is democratic; it’s more supportive,” he shares in a profile. “There is a very strong graphic arts tradition in social movements.”

Robledo’s compositions are playful yet mysterious, universal and also arcane. Winged hearts, known as Sagrado Corazón, or the Sacred Heart, symbolize love, healing, and spiritual devotion. Armadillos represent protection and abundance, and numerous other foods, plants, and nods to culture—such as Xochimilco’s colorful canal boats known as trajineras—are venerated in scenes of dancing or totem-like configurations.

Robled’s prints can be found at Hecho a Mano in Santa Fe, and the artist is also a co-founder of Lugar de Huida in Mexico City, a gallery highlighting Mexican printmakers. See more on the artist’s Instagram.

a linocut print by Eduardo Robleno of an armadillo or reptile-like creature with a huge cornucopia of flowers and other motifs on its back — “Arbol de la Vida” (2025), linocut, 30 x 22 inches

a linocut print by Eduardo Robleno of dancing skeletons, birds, and other creatures — “Carnaval” (2023), linocut, 15 x 22 inches

a linocut print by Eduardo Robleno of two skeletons inside of a larger motif of a skull-headed figure, holding a hybrid bird-tree — “El Pacto” (2024), linocut, 15 x 11 inches

a linocut print by Eduardo Robleno of an armadillo amid a number of red hearts with winds — “Soltar” (2024), three-color linocut, 22 x 15 inches

a linocut print by Eduardo Robleno of a figure perched atop a group of compartments with snakes and other motifs — “Hombres de Conocimiento” (2020), linocut, 44 x 30 inches

a linocut print by Eduardo Robleno of a deer standing over purple agave plants, in front of an orange sun, looking at an anatomical heart — “El Camino” (2026), serigraph, 15 x 11 inches

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