“In Search of Reason” by Sergio Bustamante on the Malecon in Puerto Vallarta
Summary
- The sculpture was created by renowned Mexican artist Sergio Bustamante and was inaugurated in 2000.
- It depicts two balloon-headed, child-like figures climbing a ladder to the sky, while a larger figure stands at the bottom with arms outstretched.
- The artwork portrays a sense of curiosity, exploration, and the pursuit of knowledge.
- The sculpture is one of the largest and grandest on the Malecon, with a height of nearly 30 feet.
Introduction
The “Ladder sculpture” in Puerto Vallarta, a monumental sculpture by Sergio Bustamante on the Malecon, is both controversial and interesting, strange and fun all at the same time, certainly a piece you can’t pass without noticing it.
“In Search of Reason / Searching for (the) Reason” (En Busca de la Razón) by the famous Mexican artist, Sergio Bustamante, a very distinctive 30-foot high statue with three strange pillow-headed figures and a ladder that two of them are climbing, like looking for an answer farther and above the normal limits of humanity, maybe up in the sky or beyond.
What does the sculpture symbolize?
Sergio Bustamante states that the sculpture was inspired by Nobel Peace Prize winner, philosopher and logician, Bertrand Arthur William Russell and his writings:
“When the intensity of emotional conviction subsides, a man who is in the habit of reasoning will search for logical grounds in favour of the belief which he finds in himself.”
In Search of Reason “Ladder sculpture” (Sergio Bustamante)
This surrealistic Sergio Bustamante sculpture is definitively interesting and strange at the same time, the individuals, their shapes, the title of the work, all make you wonder.
It all starts with a philosophical problem, the dilemma we have as a species, which also affected Bernard Russell, who worried that humans were not really reasoning when interpreting their world and not striving to protect life on Earth, rather the exact contrary, wars, atomic bombs and continuously guided by basic fears that in turn lead to dogma and prejudice.
In Search of Reason (En búsqueda de la razón) by Sergio Bustamante
About the sculpture
People like to climb up this statue and take their photographs which are fine just as long as they don’t fall off during the photo shoot.
The sculpture actually tempts audiences to interact, and there are few tourists that haven’t climbed up the ladder to have a souvenir photo shot on it. This isn’t such a surprise when you hear that it is also the artist’s wish:
“I like getting people to interact with it, with my art.” So enjoy it, the artist wants you to. Sergio says about the piece: “It’s about freedom”.
In Search of Reason – Sergio Bustamante, Puerto Vallarta Malecon
Definitively one of the most impressive statues on the seaside boardwalk. You’ll find the sculpture where Corona Street ends on the Malecon.
This sculpture was unveiled on the Malecon on July 4th, 2000.
This bronze sculpture measures some 30 feet tall (9 meters).
In Search of Reason (“Ladder sculpture”) (Sergio Bustamante) Puerto Vallarta Malecon
Where is the ladder sculpture in Puerto Vallarta?
Despite the name that appears in Google Maps, it is not called “Ladder to Heaven” which someone just made up. The real name is “En Busca de la Razón” which can be translated to “In Search of Reason” or “In Search of the Reason”.
It’s located where Corona Street meets Paseo Díaz Ordaz, better known as the Malecon.
If you are walking along the boardwalk promenade, you’ll find it between “La Rotonda del Mar” (The Rotunda of the Sea) to the north and “Lluvia” (Rain) to the south.
Location Map
About Sergio Bustamante
Sergio Bustamante, artist and sculptor
Sergio Bustamante was born in Culiacán, Sinaloa, Mexico in 1949, when he was 9 years old he moved to Guadalajara, Jalisco, where he has spent most of his life.
Studied architecture at the University of Guadalajara. Has his art studio, founded in 1975, is in Tlaquepaque, outside of Guadalajara.
In 1996, his desire to promote art in Mexico makes him open the Contemporary Art Gallery in Tlaquepaque, Jalisco, as a forum to show the main current artistic trends in the country. Later, in December of the same year, he opens the second art gallery in Cabo San Lucas and in February of 1997 one in Puerto Vallarta.
All the galleries are located in the same location that permanently exhibits the works of Sergio Bustamante.
Sergio was an orphan, he lived with his grandfather Jose Chong, a Chinese man who arrived from Shanghai to Mexico, in the 1930s he nationalized Mexican and adopted the Sanchez surname.
In the words of Sergio Bustamante:
“My grandfather is the person that most affected my life, I loved him very much, I was the only grandchild who got to know him.” At that time the Calles government would grab the Chinese and send them home. He was protected by a captain who advised he should change his last name, so he did, he liked and chose “Sanchez”, he probably thought it sounded Chinese.
I lived with him until I was five years old, he was a wonderful man…
He took me to the Buelna market every day, bought me a paper, cardboard or tin toy and hid it. Because the house was very big, I had all morning to find it and until then it was mine.”“That’s what I think stimulated my fantasy a lot, and above all, it made me addicted to searching… Searching for what… “Searching”, I said one day, “for truth “, and a guy said, “there are many truths.” So? I’m not searching for all of them. One. Which one? At the end of my life, I might just know.”
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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