The Mexican sculptor, Abel Ramirez Aguilar, was born on May 22, 1943, in Mexico City. Developing an interest in art at an early age, Aguilar's teachers encouraged him to pursue his talent. He initially studied architecture, but in the end chose sculpture for his preferred field. He studied sculpture first under Jose Chavez Morado at La Esmeralda, then was granted a scholarship to the Rhode Island School of Design in 1962. After winning an award for his underwater photography and exhibiting his work, in 1979 he received another scholarship, this time to the Hague for two years. After the two year scholarship, he was invited to stay on for two more years.
His work is in the traditional metal, stone and wood, but surprisingly Aguilar also became known for his ice and snow sculpture after being introduced to it in the 80's, in Quebec. This was his first time seeing snow! Since he of course could not find this medium in his native Mexico, his sculpting in snow and ice took place in the US, Japan, Europe and Canada. His work has been exhibited all over the world.
In 1992 he won the gold medal for his ice sculpture at the Winter Olympics, in France, after being entered, unbeknownst to him, by his friends. Aguilar's work has Cubism and Impressionism influences but also shows Surrealism elements of magic. Some sculptures, especially the ice and snow, have a Nationalistic theme. Since the first Olympics medal he has won several awards, especially for his snow and ice sculpture.
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