Visiting Puerto Vallarta - Part 16

Malecon Boardwalk and Sculptures continued;

Unicorn of Good Fortune Statue by Anibal Riebeling, 2011

This recent work, “Unicorn of Good Fortune, ” was erected on the Malecon in January 2011. Here a unicorn is depicted on top of a large circular base.

Naturaleza como Madre by Tapatio Adrian Reynoso

This is a polymer resin bronze sculpture entitled “Nature by Mother”. It is an abstract work representing the continuous cycle of life and death. The display is a crashing wave hosting a woman’s subtle features which is poised adeptly on top of a spiralling snail’s shell.

El Sutil Comepiedras by Jonas Gutierrez, 2006

On the Malecon, across from the Hard Rock Café, “The Subtle Rock Eater” is a 2. 4 metre high, bronze and obsidian sculpture that depicts a magician in melting clothing holding several stones in his right hand. The man has a protruding stomach and a back which is gently arched. His mouth is wide open and his left arm and hand are poised artistically above his head as he prepares to drop an egg shaped stone into his mouth.

La Rotunda del Mar by Alejandro Colunga, 1997

“The Rotunda of the Sea” is made up of 8 enormous high backed bronze chairs. Each strange piece features an odd mix of exaggerated human anatomy, nautical imagery, surrealism and fantasy. The artist’s works are mostly based upon folk stories he heard when he was a child. There are two gigantic human ears that are perched on top of one bench, while others feature strange and haunting hybrid creatures. The mix of these intriguing creations is the way the artist tries to extend an invitation to passers-by to take a seat, rest and contemplate the beauty of the ocean.

En Búsqueda de la Razón by Sergio Bustamante, 1999

This surrealistic piece, “In Search of Reason, ” shows two carefree children climbing high on a bronze ladder, reaching out to the sky while their mother, hands outstretched, calls out to them from the sidewalk below. There is a mixture of views about this one; some imagine that the mother is pleading with her children, asking them to come down. Others believe she is encouraging them to be fearless and continue climbing to new heights. Each figure has a puffed out triangular head that rests upon a short and stout body.

Caballero del Mar by Rafael Zamarripa, 1976

The symbol of Puerto Vallarta, “The Seahorse, ” is one of the most popular and recognizable landmarks, and was the first sculpture to be erected on the Malecon. This iconic statue depicts a naked boy wearing a cowboy hat, waving his hand as he rides a giant seahorse.

Continued in part 17