Pablo Atchugarry

Born in 1954 in Montevideo, Uruguay, Pablo Atchugarry is a celebrated contemporary sculptor known for his large-scale, abstract works in marble. His dynamic sculptures are inspired by natural forms, such as swaying tree branches and crashing waves or the curves of the human body. While Atchugarry employed a diverse array of media early on in his career, he has primarily used marble since an influential 1979 visit to Carrara, Italy, an ancient town known for its high quality marble. In 1982, he moved to Italy permanently and still pursues his practice there today, continuing the rich artistic tradition of marble sculptors like Brancusi and Michelangelo.

In 2002, Atchugarry won the important Michelangelo Prize, which established him as a master sculptor. Shortly after, in 2003, he represented Uruguay at the 50th Venice Biennale, which also established him as leading Latin American artist. He went on to found the Fundación Pablo Atchugarry, a nonprofit institution to promote visual, literary and performing arts in his native Uruguay. Atchugarry's work has been shown in institutions around the world and collected by prestigious collections, including the National Museum of Visual Arts of Montevideo and the Perez Art Museum in Miami. Atchugarry currently lives and works between Lecco, Italy and Manantiales, Uruguay. 

-       Soñando la paz (Dreaming of Peace), 2003, installation for the Venice Biennale

-       Semilla de la esperanza (Seed of Hope), 1996, sculpture installed in the garden of the Uruguayan Government Building