Not Pink Panther – it’s a black disco panther in the fine-art photography by Mexican artist Paul Fuentes, in collaboration with Concept Hotels Group, Ibiza.
Bring a touch of surrealism home with the exclusive art collaboration between Paul Fuentes and The Concept Hotels – on display from 16 July at Paradiso Ibiza Art Hotel.
Words by Charlotte Knight
Have you ever heard (or should I say “herd”) of exotic animals that have a taste for luxury hotels and pool parties? Only in Ibiza you might say, but actually that is where it´s now heading.
The first time you set eyes on an image by distinguished photographer Paul Fuentes, you will likely feel a rush of surprise, curiosity and wonder: How does he do it? Fuentes was one of the early innovators in photo manipulation and digital composition, creating surrealistic Pop Art photography that exists somewhere between reality and fantasy. He was experimenting with and refining this visual language more than a decade ago — long before technology caught up.
Imagine an animal that typically roams in the wild – think giraffes, zebras or cheetahs and tigers quietly nestled in their natural habitat to boom – let loose and lounging poolside like a boss, striped parasol overhead and cocktail to the left. This is only the beginning. From a sleek black jaguar lounging atop the iconic Jaguar car or wild tigers taking a dip in a sparkling Californian pool, or indeed a panther poolside in Ibiza – this juxtaposition is the creative photography and flair of Paul Fuentes that seems to know no bounds.
Fuentes continues to enchant his 350,000 instagram followers (@paulfuentes_photo and @paulfuentes_design) by transporting us to a dreamlike realm through his experimental, eye-catching imagery – where untamed nature meets the built and refined world of architecture, landscapes, leisure and luxury. He draws inspiration from Slim Aarons-era escapism, vintage travel imagery, and the glamorous optimism of places like Palm Springs, Lake Como, and now Ibiza.
Mexican photographer Paul Fuentes on location at the stunning Grand Paradiso Hotel in Ibiza, by The Concept Group.
The pastel-loving fine-art photographer has always been a fan of Palm Springs and the desert city’s iconic mid-century design which has remained a big source of inspiration for his work. “The design aesthetic that resonates with me most is mid-century modern. I’m drawn to its clean lines, sense of openness, and the way it connects architecture with its surroundings. Palm Springs has always been a huge source of inspiration for me because of that effortless mix of simplicity, elegance and optimism” he says.
Paul Fuentes is an award-winning photographer who composed a collection of artworks from his images captured in Palm Springs, highlighting its distinctive architecture, mid-century glamour and classic cars – sometimes with a nod to the animal kingdom where he introduces stunning big tigers that take centre stage and give a heavy punch of surrealism – almost hypnotizing the viewer. Fuentes unique photography is designed to inject effortless California style into modern interiors.
The globe-trotting travel photographer has also captured cinematic moments during his travels to Italy and France – and now it’s Ibiza’s turn to ignite the creative brilliance of Paul Fuentes. We can hardly contain our excitement while imagining the possibilities. As an artist who features wild animals in his work, I asked whether he and his wife have any pets at home, and which species they have they encountered during their travels.
“We don’t have any pets at the moment, mainly because we travel so much throughout the year, and it wouldn’t be fair on them. We’d both love to have a dog one day though, we’re huge animal lovers!. Over the years, we’ve been lucky enough to photograph animals in all kinds of places, from safari parks and wildlife reserves to zoos. One of our most memorable experiences was a recent trip to Florida, where we drove through the Everglades surrounded by kilometres of alligators. Seeing them in their natural habitat was incredible and definitely one of those moments that stays with you” he reveals.
“The pink glow, the retro lines, that Mustang out front… it’s got a vibe. Every frame makes me want to pack up and head straight back¨ says Paul about this image outside of the Paradiso Art Hotel. 
Two pink flamingos have fled Salines Natural Park and checked in at the Paradiso Art Hotel in this beautiful artwork by Paul Fuentes.
A Surreal Solo Exhibition at Paradiso Art Hotel
Starting with a private viewing on 16th July, the master of surreal imagery and fine art photography will unveil an exclusively signed limited-edition collection in collaboration with Ibiza’s Concept Hotels. Join Paul Fuentes at his solo exhibition at the Paradiso Art Hotel, where he shares his Ibiza vision through his stylish photography, featuring some of the island’s most loved animals – like a pair of flamingos poolside at The Grand Paradiso Hotel. “Created in collaboration with Concept Hotel Group, the series was photographed across their iconic hotels and explores what happens when the wild checks in¨ shares the Mexican born photographer turned painter, who runs his studio with his wife and business partner Ilse, in London.
Years before this collaboration came to fruition, Fuentes had made a pink Cadillac a recurring theme in his fine art photography, drawn to its glamour and unmistakable cinematic appeal. A pink Cadillac is also a striking design feature which has been converted into a Jacuzzi at the Grand Paradiso Hotel – located just a stones throw from the Paradiso Art Hotel. Both the work of Fuentes and the Concept Hotels align with the same aesthetic and they share a visual language rooted in elegant art deco – it seems like it was a collaboration that was meant to be.
The hotel is home to the most unique art-exhibitions throughout the season 
Mexican fine-art photographer Paul Fuentes on location at The Paradiso Art Hotel, Ibiza
The Paradiso Art Hotel located in the bay of San Antonio is an ode to art, making it the natural home for Fuentes’ latest Ibiza collection. Not only does it provide the exhibition space, as it does for talented artists from around the world throughout the season — but its pastel hues and playful interiors also offered the perfect backdrop for him to let his imagination run riot. The exciting collaboration captures the essence of Palm Springs meets Ibiza – with Fuentes signature surreal twist.
The photographer who has travelled for over a decade shooting and then composing art from his personal archive, reveals that Ibiza had long been on his bucket-list ¨Ibiza was always somewhere I wanted to photograph. What drew me there was its beautiful hotels and distinctive architecture. The hotels of Concept Hotel Group were a particular highlight for me – the playful Art Deco aesthetic, pastel colour palettes, and bold design language felt completely in tune with my own visual style. It instantly felt like the perfect setting for my work, as though my animals had finally found the perfect place to check in.” he shares with Ibiza PJ.
The reception area at The Paradiso Ibiza Art Hotel pairs a pastel pink palette with sculptural red sofas, their sweeping curves channeling the exuberance of Miami’s Ocean Drive aesthetic.
Bring wild elegance and mid-century glamour into your home by reserving your place at the much-anticipated exhibition by Paul Fuentes in collaboration with The Concept Hotels. The event opens with a private viewing on 16 July and runs until 26 August 2026 at Paradiso Art Hotel, where signed limited-edition prints will be available to purchase throughout the exhibition.
Paradiso Art Hotel
Avenida Es Calo
64-70 San Antonio Bay
Ibiza, Spain
16 July Opening Night
Thursday 6pm – 9pm
17 July – 26 August
11am – 5pm
Love this story? Don’t forget to subscribe! for free!
Leave a Reply