Born in Pachuca, Hidalgo, Mexico in 1898, Labios would go on to start his career in a most turbulent time in Mexico. From 1910 to 1920 the Mexican Revolution took place, which saw Francisco I. Madero, a wealthy land owner, challenge Porfirio Díaz who had been in power for 35 years. Díaz won the fixed election which lead to an armed conflict which overthrew Díaz and a new election was held in 1911, which brought Madero to the presidency.
Labios' active role in the Mexican Revolution landed him in prison. It was here that he started painting on his prison cell wall. His works were spied by the mayor of Pachuca, who ordered Labios to teach his two daughters, thus spurring on Labios' career.
Agapito went on to make a living out of his Folk art figure paintings. The artist's work is defined by his highly stylised portraits, often with children as the subjects in formal dress, with typical Mexican backgrounds such as farming fields and or town squares.
Labios sold his work in La Lagunilla Market, in Mexico City, on Sundays, gaining him popularity and success. This lead to Agapito opening his own shop in Mexico City, which his son took ownership of after Labios' death in 1996.
Works by Agapito were sold in the sale of Katharine Hepburn's estate on 10th June, 2004, at Sotheby's, New York. Five signed works by Agapito sold for $8 400 against an estimate of $3 000 to 5 000 in the sale at Sotheby's. Check out more realised prices for Agapito Labios here.
All pieces featured will be part of Isbilya's Contemporary & Latin American Art from Private Collection sale on 29th June, 2017. Check out the full catalogue here.