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On the evening of May 21st 2025, after I enjoyed the amazing La Pasarela Art y Fashion Show at Arte Vallarta, I then discovered an additional gem. The exceptional talents of artists Felix d’Eon, Chicome Itzcuintli Amatlapalli, and David Jones were on full display in the third floor gallery of the museum. Captivated by the imagination of each artist, I spent several moments in contemplation, happily alone, surrounded by amazing art in every direction.
Then, in greater detail, I began my exploration. First with the Felix d’Eon exhibition, then I segued into the Chicome Itzcuintli Amatlapalli exhibition, finally delving into the dazzling gallery of the David Jones exhibition.
It took me a few minutes to realize that though there are three exhibits, two are by the same amazing artist Felix d’Eon. His name at birth was Chicome Itzcuintli Amatlapalli, but to create art of a different genre, he donned the pen name and alter ego of Felix d’Eon. For nearly 20 years he has worked as Felix d’Eon, and Chicome Itzcuintli Amatlapalli.
Felix d’Eon’s exhibition is titled Me Quemas, or in English, You Burn Me. As Felix, he creates art that more fully explores the queer community, as is evidenced in this collection. Capturing Queer, White, Latinx, and Native American imagery, he highlights body types and ages from across the spectrum, as a way to represent all. By painting images of queer love; his goal is to share stories of historically oppressed and marginalized queer communities. By expanding the concept of what is wholesome he hopes to erase shame, and celebrate desire. Speaking with the artist, he shared his thoughts on the alter ego Felix d’Eon, and the art he creates, stating, “Felix is about Queer identity, if people are queer, I would like them to realize that they are reflected, and celebrated.”
Chicome Itzcuintli Amatlapalli’s exhibition is titled Escalera de Jade, or Jade Ladder. With this collection Chicome celebrates his Mexican-American heritage. Originally from Los Angeles, he was born to a white American father, and a Mexican mother, she is Wixarica, an indigenous nation here in the state of Jalisco. Mesoamerica, a region extending from Costa Rica, Nicaragua, all the way to Northern Mexico is explored, as is the great spiritual traditions of its indigenous people. In sharing his thoughts on the Jade Ladder exhibit Chicome (Felix) stated, “I come at it from my identity as a detribalized person, and as a queer person,” pausing, he continued with emotion, “I am speaking to those detribalized individuals who haven’t maintained their indigenous identity, as a way for us to reconnect with the spiritual worldview of our ancestors which was taken away from us by the forces of colonization.”
The David Jones exhibition is titled Line + Color. This is the first ever public exhibition of this multitalented artist’s work. David had a long and distinguished career before becoming an artist. It ranged from the world of academia to business, to service to his country in the US Army Corps of Engineers as a 2nd Lieutenant. As an Assistant Professor of Architecture he taught at several universities throughout the United States, as well as the University of Paris, in France. In New York City, his work included residential and commercial architectural projects, as well as landscape and furniture design. He received his first commission for art in 2010, and moved to Puerto Vallarta in 2013. His art is displayed in private collections in the United States, as well as in Mexico. In this vibrant collection we see the influences of The De Stijl Movement, Neoplasticism, and Rationalism.
The Felix d’Eon and Chicome Itzcuintli Amatlapalli exhibitions run until June 1st 2025. The David Jones exhibition runs until June 22nd 2025.
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