The Institute for Mexicans Abroad (IME) is a decentralized body of the Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs (SRE), which is responsible for acting as a liaison with Mexican communities and communities of Mexican origin residing outside our country and promoting the revaluation of the migratory phenomenon and the dignified treatment of Mexicans living abroad. In recognition of their work, since 1996 IME has awarded the Ohtli Recognition to those who have dedicated their lives and professional activity to “make way” abroad, for the well-being of their compatriots, wherever they may be.
However, taking into consideration the interest of the Mexican Representation Abroad, especially outside the United States, to recognize the trajectory and contributions of distinguished Mexicans in areas other than community work, since 2018 the IME also delivers the Distinguished Mexicans Award, dedicated to recognizing the trajectory of those Mexicans living abroad who have performed outstanding activities to put the name of Mexico on a high level.
This recognition, granted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs through the IME, is given to Mexican nationals who have lived abroad for at least the last 5 years without interruption and who demonstrate an outstanding career in any field of human endeavor, other than the community.
In the case of our compatriot Juan Miguel Ramirez, known as “Ícaro” in the artistic field, all the conditions are amply fulfilled, since his vast work in the artistic field has been developed over several decades. In addition to his training as an architect, his work in the field of photography, especially digital photography, has been developed uninterruptedly for several decades, always setting high Mexico’s name and culture in the world.
Juan Miguel has lived abroad for 25 years, and in Qatar for 15 years. In this country he has been a fundamental piece so that Qataris and people of other nationalities living in Qatar have a direct local reference of Mexican talent and creativity. “Ícaro” combines in his works elements of Mexican and Qatari culture, sometimes as a fusion and sometimes as a juxtaposition that achieves a dialogue of form, color and meaning that transcends borders and harmonizes identities.
“Ícaro” talent has often found a home in the fairs and galleries of the Katara Cultural Village, where individually and collectively, he has positioned himself as the most notorious and proactive Mexican artist-in-residence. His work has been one of the recurrent hallmarks of Mexico in Katara, which has awakened a greater interest among Qataris for Mexican art. It is possible to say that “Ícaro” has become a cultural ambassador that serves as a bridge with various Qatari cultural projects and a gateway for other Mexican artists seeking to open spaces of excellence in Doha, such as the fabulous galleries and esplanades of Katara.
Likewise, for our Mexican community living in Qatar, Juan Miguel is an outstanding element that serves as a link between the community itself and is a tangible example of what Mexicans, with talent and hard work, can achieve when we work hard and with daily effort, even far away from our beloved Mexico.
