​GABRIEL RICO

b. 1980, Jalisco, Mexico

 

Gabriel Rico describes himself as an “ontologist with a heuristic methodology.” He creates sculptures and installations by reworking found objects and materials—including neon, ceramics, taxidermy mounts, and tree branches—often combining natural and anti-natural forms. His work explores the relationship between humans and the natural environment, emphasizing asymmetry, cultural reflection, and political critique. Rico studied architecture at ITESO in Guadalajara (2004) and has received awards and grants from institutions such as the Prince Claus Fund (2011),
FONCA/Colombian Ministry of Culture (2013), Ténot Fondation (2014), and ASU Art Museum & CALA Alliance (2017).

His work has been exhibited globally at venues such as the BeiQiu Museum of Contemporary Art, Nanjing (2022), Black Cube, Denver (2022), Institute of Contemporary Art, San Diego (2021), Perrotin galleries in New York, Paris, and Mexico City (2020–2021), Aspen Art Museum (2019), The Power Station, Dallas (2017), and Kunsthal Charlottenborg, Denmark (2016). Rico’s work was also included in the 58th Venice Biennale. His works are held in major public and institutional collections, including the Denver City Council, ASU Art Museum, Nasher Sculpture Center, High Museum of Art in Atlanta, North Carolina Museum of Art, Pérez Art Museum, Institute of Contemporary Art, Museum im Kulturspeicher (Germany), Gyeonggi Creation Center (Korea), Museo de Arte de Zapopan (Mexico), Plataforma de Arte Contemporáneo (Mexico), and the Korean Ceramic Foundation (KOCEF).