Manuel Lepe Macedo
Summary
- Manuel Lepe was born in Puerto Vallarta (Jalisco, Mexico) on April 17, 1936, a date the city celebrated each year as “Manuel Lepe Day”.
- “Manuel Lepe Day” has recently been moved to May 27, so it can be celebrated along with Puerto Vallarta’s anniversary day, May 31st.
- The third of 11 sons and daughters of Mr. Francisco Lepe and Mrs. Dionicia Macedo.
- His paintings with small angels, children, and the landscapes of Puerto Vallarta are part of Presidents’ and Art Connoisseurs’ collections around the world.
- One of his works is owned by Queen Elizabeth II of England and is on display at the Royal Mews Museum in Windsor Castle, UK.
- In 1976, he was named “True Painter of Mexico and Jalisco” by Mexican President Luis Echeverría.
- He died of a brain aneurysm on September 9, 1984, in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico.
Manuel Lepe Macedo in Puerto Vallarta (lower left with Lola Beltrán) Photo 2 & 3 Arturo Pasos Muñoz
About Manuel Lepe
A mosaic mural, “Fishmongers” located in front of the Naval Museum on the Puerto Vallarta Boardwalk/Malecon
Born in Puerto Vallarta on April 17, 1936, Manuel Lepe transformed his paintings into an embassy of color, spreading the message of the city’s beautiful scenarios, and its most pure traditions all over the world.
His work includes more than 2500 paintings spread all over the world in the hands and estates of many famous and important celebrities, including Elizabeth Taylor, Ronald Reagan, Queen Elizabeth II, John Huston, and many more, who purchased them because they understood that their simplicity actually reflected a pure and unique art form.
Puerto Vallarta City Sign with Manuel Lepe designs
The following content was mostly written by the city historian, Juan Manuel Gómez Encarnación.
Puerto Vallarta painted its essence into the young mind of Manuel Lepe Macedo.
When Manuel was a child in the 1940s, Vallarta, at that point in time, knew nothing of its prosperous future in the world of tourism, but it offered contrasting white houses against the multitude of green jungle shades and the pristine emerald-colored waters of the bay.
It was a candid Vallarta; isolated by the rugged surrounding geography. This small town was one large family, and they spoke the language of solidarity.
This town marked him with its games, its traditions, shapes, colors, perfumes, sparkles, and love…
Thus, Manuel came out of his childhood transformed into a magician, a poet full of colorful verses, and enchanted by the magic of his surroundings.
That Vallarta, with its transparent atmosphere, was able to express its dreams and longings through this, its child.
Manuel Lepe Art Gallery Promo
Manuel Lepe Macedo was able to stand out within the naïf artistic style due to his honesty and the correct use of color without having more studies and academic qualifications other than some suggestions from other people and what he received during his first four years in primary school.
One canvas after another, painting after painting, Manuel handed back the treasure he had received from his beloved town. Just as the biblical talents, Lepe multiplied his to offer Vallarta its rightful place in the world; to win a seat in the world of art for Puerto Vallarta.
Mexican President Luis Echeverría Álvarez dubbed him “Mexico’s National Artist” or “Vallarta’s Painter” as he was also branded by historian Carlos Munguía Fregoso.
Painting by Manuel Lepe
John Huston, the famous Hollywood director, stated: “Manuel Lepe makes paintings to bring joy to the hearts of the child in all of us.”
Actor Peter O’Toole would say: “Manuel partakes in the ceremony of innocence.”
Mr. Carlos Munguía Fregoso, city historian par excellence, said: “The work of Lepe is indeed an ode to innocence, joy, and love for his hometown.”
Mural Vallarta Plaza
He is considered a representative of the Naïve art style, and as such, Manuel Lepe managed to attain a prominent place among contemporary artists.
His work was known outside of Mexico and was included in the French book “Painters of the Century.”
Manuel Lepe Mural in Puerto Vallarta’s City Hall
Lepe held forty-three exhibitions in his forty years of artistic life. Probably the most important of them all was the one at the Museum of Art and Science in Los Angeles, California, in 1979, during the celebration of the International Year of the Child, that was visited by over one million people. “
Manuel Lepe, Luz Mantecón y Luis Álvarez
On April 16, 2010, Puerto Vallarta honored Manuel Lepe with the title of “Favorite Son of Vallarta.”
Along with Priest Rafael Parra Castillo and Don Agustín Flores Contreras, Manuel Lepe Macedo’s name is on the list of Puerto Vallarta’s illustrious citizens in The Encyclopedia of Mexican Municipalities.
Manuel Lepe Macedo
John Johns interviewed him for an article in Sundancer Magazine in February 1977 and stated:
For one thing, Lepe’s pictures are exclusive of his hometown of Puerto Vallarta, and, as Lepe points out,
“Puerto Vallarta is filled with children. Just look around the town. Everywhere you look there are children, so they are reflected everywhere in my paintings. And maybe,” he adds with a wink, “it is because I have never grown old.”
When asked why he always included angels and children in his paintings, he replied:
“I paint angels because Puerto Vallarta is a paradise; I paint kids because they have no worries or problems; they just want to play and be happy, and that’s what I want to transmit in my paintings.”
Exhibitions
San Francisco, California, USA – 1965
Newsteter Gallery, Denver, Colorado, USA – 1969
Two Squares Gallery, Denver Colorado, USA – 1961
Civic Center Auditorium, San Francisco, California, USA – 1973
Livingstone Gallery, San Francisco, California, USA – 1973
Galería Lepe, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico – 1973
Century Plaza Hotel, Los Angeles, California, USA – 1973
Newsteter Gallety, Denver, Colorado, USA – 1974
Centro de Arte Moderno, Guadalajara, Mexico – 1974
Galería Lepe, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico – 1974
Ex-convento del Carmen, Guadalajara, Mexico – 1977
La Tortolita Gallery, Tucson, Arizona, USA – 1977
One of One Gallery, Reno, Nevada, USA – 1978
Galería Lepe, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico – 1978
Cherry Creek Gallery of Fine Arts, Denver, Colorado, USA – 1978
Dallas Independent School District, Dallas, Texas, USA – 1979
California Museum of Science & Industry, Los Angeles, California, USA – 1979
Children’s Orthopedic Hospital. Seattle, Washington, USA – 1980
Yolanda Fine Arts, Chicago, Illinois, USA – 1981
Somerstown Studios & Gallery, Ciudad de New York, N.Y. , USA – 1982
City Hall (Homage), Puerto Vallarta, Mexico – 1984
Galeria Uno (Homage), Puerto Vallarta, Mexico – 1984
Casa de la Cultura Jalisciense, Guadalajara, Mexico – 1984
Fiestas de Octubre, Guadalajara, Mexico. – 1984
Pasillo del Arte Televicentro, Guadalajara, Mexico – 1994
Hotel Westin Regina, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico – 1996
Hotel Joya de Mismaloya, Pto. Vallarta, Mexico – 1997
City Hall, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico – 1998
More information
- Manuel Lepe Mexico’s Painter
- Manuel Lepe Facebook Page
- Manuel Lepe Macedo on Wikipedia
- Puerto Vallarta Art Galleries
- Puerto Vallarta Sculpture Guide
FAQ
- What is the safest part of Puerto Vallarta to stay in?
The Marina and the Romantic Zone are considered some of the safest areas to stay in Puerto Vallarta. Both areas are popular among tourists and offer a variety of accommodations, restaurants, and attractions. The Marina is known for its upscale atmosphere, luxury resorts, and high-end shops and restaurants. It has a very secure, controlled environment with 24/7 security personnel. The Romantic Zone offers a more authentic Mexican experience with cobblestone streets, colorful colonial buildings, and a vibrant mix of galleries, cafes, and bars. As a central tourist area, it also has a strong police presence and is considered very safe.
- Where do locals go in Puerto Vallarta?
Locals in Puerto Vallarta enjoy spending time at the city’s beautiful beaches, scenic parks, and lively local markets. Popular beach spots include Playa de Oro, Playa Las Animas, and Playa Camarones for their soft sand and calm waters. Many locals visit the Vallarta Botanical Gardens to enjoy the lush vegetation and hiking trails. They also frequent authentic local food venues like Birrieria las 3 Regiones taco stand, cafes like Cafecito Vallarta, and neighborhood bars like La Cerveceria Union. The downtown Lazaro Cardenas market is a favorite for produce, spices, crafts.
- Is Downtown Puerto Vallarta nice?
Yes, downtown Puerto Vallarta is an exceptionally nice and popular area, celebrated for its vibrant mix of historic Mexican charm and a lively beach town atmosphere. It features a picturesque historic center with cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and the iconic Parish of Our Lady of Guadalupe church. The downtown seamlessly blends into the scenic Malecón, a beautiful oceanfront boardwalk lined with fascinating sculptures, shops, and restaurants, making it perfect for strolling and enjoying the stunning ocean views.
The area offers an excellent variety of dining, from upscale restaurants to authentic street food, along with fantastic shopping in boutiques and art galleries. Adjacent to the main center is the popular Zona Romántica (Romantic Zone), known for its trendy vibe and energetic nightlife. The entire downtown is considered safe and is very walkable, allowing visitors to easily explore its captivating blend of culture, cuisine, and coastal beauty on foot.
Tip: For an unforgettable experience, head down to the Malecón or any beachfront spot about 30 minutes before the scheduled sundown to watch the spectacular sunset over the bay.
- What is considered old town in Puerto Vallarta?
Old Town, also known as the Romantic Zone or Zona Romántica, is considered the historic heart of Puerto Vallarta. It is characterized by its picturesque cobblestone streets, classic whitewashed buildings, red-tiled roofs, and a lively mix of shops, galleries, restaurants and bars. Nestled between the Sierra Madre mountains and Banderas Bay, Old Town has a traditional Mexican village charm with its colonial architecture and slower pace compared to the rest of Puerto Vallarta. Its romantic ambience comes from the area’s natural beauty, outdoor cafes, and charming boutique hotels. Old Town offers visitors a taste of an authentic Mexican neighborhood.
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