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On Thursday, April 16, 2026, sculptures by artist Álvaro Fuentes—part of the “Galería Pública de Puerto” exhibition for Art Week 2026—were removed from the Puerto Vallarta Malecon by instructions of the Culture councilwoman Laurel Carrillo. The decision followed complaints from pedestrians who labeled the pieces as “inappropriate” and “too suggestive.” The pieces, titled Extasis, Estrella, and Provocación, were located in the area between the Lighthouse and the Seahorse statue during the installation organized by the Vallarta Institute of Culture.
The news sparked an intense debate on social media, with comments both supporting and opposing the measure. Some argued the removal was necessary, claiming public spaces must be safe for people of all ages. Others contended that the pieces were not offensive, supporting the artist’s aesthetic and pointing out that the Puerto Vallarta Malecon already features sculptures exploring nudity and the human figure.
To date, the Municipal Government of Puerto Vallarta has not issued an official statement regarding the specific reason for the removal of the sculptures.
About the Artist: Álvaro Fuentes
Álvaro Fuentes is a contemporary sculptor from Mexico City. Locally, his work is represented by the Omar Alonso Gallery (Leona Vicario 249, Centro).
Artistic Style: Working primarily with bronze and polymers, Fuentes is known for high-detail, stylized figures. His work often dialogues with the human form and figurative expression, occasionally leaning into artistic provocation to explore volume and material.
Notably, the sculptures removed from the Malecon had previously been exhibited outdoors without incident during the VINOMA wine festival in early March 2026 at the Puerto Vallarta Maritime Terminal.
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