Summary
- The Subtle Stone-Eater is a bronze and obsidian sculpture created by Jonás Gutiérrez Castillo and installed along Puerto Vallarta’s Malecón.
- Unveiled in 2006, the sculpture stands nearly eight feet tall and features a unique composition that blends organic elements, animals, and the female figure.
- The sculpture is known for its dreamlike and surrealistic style, reflecting the artist’s exploration of balance and the suffering of the human figure.
- The lost wax technique used in the sculpture’s creation gives it a unique texture and appearance.
Introduction
A plastic mix of materials, both metal and rock are the core of this well-balanced sculpture that stands without any help on Vallarta’s Malecon.
This unique bronze and obsidian 7.5-foot tall sculpture is certainly one that you either love or you hate, some are surprised and immediately repulsed and even say it out loud… Maybe it’s something related to fear of clowns (it could look a bit like one) or maybe the jagged edges make them imagine ferocious and menacing teeth.
El Sutil Comepiedras (2006) Puerto Vallarta Boardwalk
In any case, others, like me, feel a strange attraction to the curvy metal edges, the flexible contours of the piece, the plump black abdomen, the mix of rock and metal, the iridescent obsidian surface shining in the sun, the strange details, a “clown” eating stones… what’s it all about?
First off Jonás’ works mostly inhabit an alternate reality, more dreamlike than down-to-earth, more scary or disturbing than your average sculpture. One thing is certain, they are never dull nor derivative; unique and with a personal style is what stands out when you admire them.
The Subtle Stone-Eater, Malecón Puerto Vallarta
Inspiration
When asked, the author tells us that he feels that negative emotions are like stones that we swallow through life. So this figure is certainly very artistically going through life digesting negativity at a rapid pace.
The artist stated that his childhood also influenced the sculpture when he played with mud and had a great time. His sculpture tries to remind us of our childhood when we started to walk, balance ourselves and enjoy the different elements of the world.
The Subtle Stone-Eater (2006)
Jonás Gutiérrez was born in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico in 1966. He began to sculpt in 1980, helping create the well-known sculpture “La Estampida” located prominently in Guadalajara.
In 1987 he participated in the workshop of Ignacio Fernández del Valle. He made his first signed bronze pieces in 1988, with one that he titled “Piezas Zoomorfas”. In 1989 he started on wood carving, developing a unique technique for two years, this inspired him to add an organic dimension to his work.
The Subtle Stone-Eater by Sculptor Jonás Gutiérrez
By using the lost wax technique, Jonas Gutierrez’s sculptures seem to seek balance in their composition and analyze the suffering of the human figure. Female figures became important in this stage of his work. In a later phase, he seems to amalgamate everything: organic elements, animals and the female figure.
Detail from The Subtle Stone-Eater by Sculptor Jonás Gutiérrez
“The Subtle Stone-Eater” was unveiled on October 14, 2006, by the then Municipal President Lic. Gustavo González Villaseñor, Council Member, Ricardo Ezequiel Uribe González, the Deputy Director of Art and Culture, Mónica Venegas and the chronicler of Puerto Vallarta, Juan Manuel Gomez Encarnación.
Made in bronze with lost wax technique, obsidian and stone is part of the materials used.
Where is the sculpture on the Malecon?
You’ll find this sculpture on the corner of Leona Vicario Street and the Malecon in downtown Puerto Vallarta.
About the artist: Jonás Gutiérrez Castillo
Jonás Gutiérrez Castillo (sculptor)
In 1966, Jonás Gutiérrez was born in Guadalajara, Jalisco.
The artist began sculpting at a young age. In 1980, he helped create the public monumental sculpture “La Estampida”, which stands at a busy intersection in his hometown (Guadalupe & Lopez Mateos), near the iconic Hotel Riu building.
La Estampida, Jonás Gutiérrez Castillo (Guadalajara, Mexico)
In Puerto Vallarta, Jonás Gutiérrez is recognized for his 2.4-meter-high bronze and obsidian sculpture “El Sutil Comepiedras.” On October 14, 2006 this large sculpture wass unveiled on the Malecon it presents a magician with a bulging obsidian stone stomach.
Gutiérrez began working at the workshop of Ignacio Fernández del Valle, who later became his instructor, in 1987. He created his first bronze piece, titled “Zoomorphic Piece,” in 1988. Jonás began dabbling in wood carving in 1989 and continued to refine the technique for two years, during which time he sought to impart an organic touch to his later masterpieces.
Returning to the lost wax method, his sculptures seem to be more concerned with a search for balance in composition and the suffering of the human figure; the female figure that runs away or appears predominates.
A subsequent stage appears to sum everything up: animal, organic element, and female figure; all in one artwork piece. This stage concludes when Gutiérrez begins to include a mineral element, stone, in his creations.
His work “El Sutil Comepiedra” and the one that earned the October Hall Award in 1998 appear under the title “Fusion.” This stage would have such a long development that it appears to make room for a new proposal already announced, with “El Don Cuadrado” and the other characters who are preparing to observe, dance, and suffer the vision of life or unreality.
Jonás Gutiérrez Castillo has exhibited in the art space of the Mexican television network Televisa, where he presented a series of new characters.
Today his sculptures depict wayward clowns, mimes, harlequins, magicians, strangely costumed subjects, and fire eaters. All of them with a playful personality.
Artistic Chronology
- 1966 Born in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico.
- 1980 Participates in Jorge de la Peña’s workshop as an assistant in the urban sculpture of Guadalajara called “Stampede” (La Estampida).
- 1980-1984 He worked in the workshop of Mtro. Jorge de la Peña.
- 1984 – 1987 Participates in Ignacio Fernandez del Valle’s workshop.
- 1987 Collective exhibition “Los Artistas de Tapalpa”, Cabañas Cultural Institute, Guadalajara, Jal., Mexico. Individual Exhibition at the Club de Industriales de Jalisco, Guadalajara, Mexico.
- 1988 Makes the first bronze sculptures as an independent artist, “The Zoomorphic Pieces”.
- 1989 Works with wood carving. He was invited to participate in the Collective Exhibition: “The artists of Tapalpa” at the Cabañas Cultural Institute. At the end of 1989, he participated in another collective sculpture exhibition at the Club Industriales de Jalisco.
- 1989-1991 Study in wood carving, Tapalpa, Jalisco, Mexico.
- 1991 He made the monumental piece “Tiburón”, Shopping Center, Veracruz, Veracruz, Mexico.
- 1994 Monumental piece “Eclipse” in the San Agustin subdivision, Guadalajara, Jal, Mexico.
- 1995 Expojoya Recognition for the piece “Unicorn”, Guadalajara, Jal., Mexico. Monumental piece “Tablao”, Private Collection, Guadalajara, Jal., Mexico.
- 1996 Sent sculptures to Eclipse Gallery in Vancouver, Canada. Participate in several auctions of Contemporary Art with small-format sculptures.
- 1997 Collective exhibitions and auctions: Galeria Axolotl, Guadalajara; Cava Gallery, Ajijic; Fin Arte Monterrey, Concept of art, Mexico City.
- 1998 Collective Exhibition: Jalisco Contemporary Art, Casas Vallarta Cultural Center, Guadalajara Jal., Mexico. Honorable mention for his work Fusion in the October Hall, Guadalajara. Jal., Mexico. Individual exhibition “Las Piedras No Hablan” at the Casa Vallarta Cultural Center in Guadalajara, Mexico. Inmaginerias, La Mandragora Art Gallery, Guadalajara, Jal., Mexico.
- 1998 Holds his first solo exhibition at Galleria Dante, Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco.
- 1999 Auction at the Guadalajara Chamber of Commerce, and SubasArt in Cancun, Quintana Roo.
- 1999 Holds his second solo exhibition at Galleria Dante, Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco.
- 2000 Solo exhibition, Galleria Dante, Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco.
- 2000 He participates in the auction at the Guadalajara Chamber of Commerce with his monumental piece “Don Cuadrado”.
- 2001 Art Focus individual exhibition in San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato.
- 2002 Individual exhibition “Caras Vemos” on Televisa, Guadalajara, Jalisco. Monumental Pieces “Mago Guarachero” and “El Catrín”
- 2004-2012 Monumental pieces mostly belonging to private collectors.
- 2006 Unveiling of The Subtle Stone-Eater (El Sutil Comepiedras) on the boardwalk (Malecon) of Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico.
- 2010-2011 Pieces belonging to the Joaquín Sabina collection, entitled “El Mago Borracho” and “La Barca”.
- 2012-2013 Monumental piece “The Piece of the Magi”, private collection.
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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