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August 08, 2024
Puerto Vallarta has long been known for its breathtaking sunsets, its rich culture, and its artistic heritage. The city's newest attraction, a brand new Puerto Vallarta sign on the iconic Malecon, combines all of these elements in a stunning visual masterpiece.
More than just a landmark, this colorful sign is a tribute to Puerto Vallarta's artistic roots and a celebration of its unique identity, created by local painter Marcella Lepe and her talented nephew, artist Luis Lepe.
The Lepe name carries significant weight in the Puerto Vallarta art scene. Marcella Lepe and her nephew Luis have both had an impact on the cultural landscape of the city. Both were commissioned to restore the Puerto Vallarta mural that adorns the City Hall. Their colorful naif art also adorns the pillars of the Cuale Bridge that connects El Centro to the Romantic Zone.
But their work is also deeply connected to a legacy that goes back to Marcella's father, the late Don Manuel Lepe Macedo (1936-1984), a revered Puerto Vallarta artist whose work has left an indelible mark on the city.
Don Manuel Lepe Macedo was known for his enchanting "naif" (or naive) style, which is characterized by its simplicity, bright colors, and childlike point of view. His paintings captured the charm and beauty of old Puerto Vallarta in a way that appealed to locals and visitors alike.
Lepe's work often depicted the picturesque landscapes, the bustling streets, and the joyous festivities of the city, all seen through a lens of innocence and wonder. His art earned him recognition not only in Mexico, but around the world, and became synonymous with Puerto Vallarta itself.
It was only fitting that Marcella and Luis Lepe took on the project when the opportunity arose to create a new Puerto Vallarta sign for the Malecon. Featuring icons of Puerto Vallarta such as the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe, the surrounding Sierra Madre Mountains, and the ever-sunny golden beaches, the sign they created is a vibrant testament to the city's artistic heritage.
Each letter of the sign is a canvas that tells a story. The intricate details and traditional design elements reflect the charm and beauty of Puerto Vallarta's past, while the bright, bold colors pay homage to Don Manuel Lepe's iconic style. The sign invites visitors to immerse themselves in the city's rich artistic heritage and is a visual journey through Puerto Vallarta's idyllic and colorful past.
With a deep connection to the artistic history of Puerto Vallarta, Marcela Lepe brought her unique vision and talent to the project. As the guardian of Don Manuel Lepe's legacy, her work has always been an inspiration for the vibrant culture and natural beauty of the region, and this sign is no exception.
Her nephew, graphic designer Luis Lepe, an accomplished artist himself, has followed in his famous grandfather's footsteps, embracing the naif style while pushing the boundaries of contemporary art. Together, they have created a work of art that is not only visually stunning, but also deeply meaningful.
The new Puerto Vallarta sign is more than just public art; it's come to symbolize Puerto Vallarta's identity. The sign is perfectly positioned to become a new focal point for locals and visitors alike on the Malecon, a bustling boardwalk that stretches along the coast.
Whether you're taking a leisurely walk along the Malecon, enjoying the ocean breeze, or taking a photo with the sign as a backdrop, this new landmark is sure to leave a lasting impression.
The unveiling of the new sign is not only a celebration of art. It is also a reminder of the importance of preserving and honoring Puerto Vallarta's cultural heritage. Don Manuel Lepe's legacy lives on through his family's work, and this new sign is a testament to art's enduring power to connect us to our past while inspiring our future.
So, the next time you find yourself on the Malecon, please take a moment to stop and admire this beautiful new addition to the cityscape. It's more than just a sign - it's a piece of Puerto Vallarta's heart, lovingly crafted by artists who understand the true essence of this magical place.
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