Born in Patterson California, Roberto Mendez a first generation Mexican earned his Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Art from Sacramento State University. Under the mentorship of esteemed artists Manuel Neri, Oliver Jackson, and Jose Montoya (Royal Chicano Air force) and Rufino Tamayo, he developed a distinctive abstract figurative style that continues to define his work.
As an educator, Roberto has shared his expertise at Sierra College, Mission College, Modesto College, Chabot College, CSU Sacramento, and Central Catholic High School in Modesto, CA. His dedication to teaching reflects his passion for both artistic expression and cultural storytelling.
With deep respect for the human form, Roberto’s work is a profound spiritual journey—one in which he examines time, reality, and belief. His figures are shaped by religious symbolism rooted in his strong Mexican heritage, yet his imagery transcends cultural boundaries, evoking universal themes that connect us all.
Statement
At the core of my work lies a deep reverence for the human figure. The body is a vessel of untold stories, capable of expressing complex emotions, perspectives, and cultural narratives. My paintings are centered around the figure, which serves as both subject and symbol, embodying the essence of my artistic practice. Each figure reflects my lived experiences, traditions, and the rich cultural heritage of being Mexican-American.
Auguste Rodin once said, “I let nature take over and guide me to find images and realities from within myself.” Similarly, my work is an intimate, spiritual journey—one that explores questions of time, reality, and belief. My Mexican heritage, deeply infused with Catholic religious symbolism, gives rise to figures that transcend the personal, speaking to something universally human. These symbols hold profound power, capturing imagery that resonates across cultures, bridging the physical and the spiritual.