Jonathan Gerardo Méndez Baute
Jonathan Gerardo Méndez Baute (born 1972) is a dynamic Australian artist and designer, currently based in Melbourne. Originally from Caracas, Venezuela, Jonathan’s artistic journey spans continents and mediums. Specializing in sculpting with Stoneware and Polymer clay, as well as drawing and illustration, his work brings a fresh, bold energy to the world of contemporary art. In addition to his artistic pursuits, Jonathan has a solid background in graphic design, having contributed to numerous publications and corporate branding projects.
Jonathan’s creative roots were planted at the prestigious Instituto de Diseño Newmann-Ince in Caracas, where he began studying Art & Design. He then moved to the United States, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Graphic Design from Sacramento State University in 2002. His journey took him across the globe, living and working in Switzerland, New Zealand, and the United States before making Australia his home in 2012, where he now resides with his wife and children.
A self-taught sculptor, Jonathan draws significant inspiration from the works of American artist and author Stephen Kaltenbach, Colombian painter/sculptor Fernando Botero, and the influential Bauhaus Movement. His work explores human anatomy with an innovative and deeply personal perspective, blending his technical skills with a passionate exploration of form and structure.
Jonathan’s sculpting process is deeply methodical: "Before I approach any subject for sculpting, I like to hand-draw all elements of it. That way, I familiarize myself with all shapes and angles contained within the subject. I walk my mind through the spaces by drawing them in detail, and then I am ready to sculpt." This approach allows him to bring a unique depth and precision to his sculptures, which resonate with viewers on both an emotional and intellectual level.
Jonathan’s sculptures are celebrated for their technical excellence and creative vision, and his work is proudly featured in the Victorian Collections.
Education
- 2024: Certificate of Digital Graphic Design, Australia
- 2010: Professional Cookery Level 4, New Zealand
- 2002: Bachelor of Science in Graphic Design, USA
AWARDS:
- 2024: Tina Wentcher First Prize - 2024 Annual & Awards Exhibition - Association of Sculptors of Victoria, Australia
- 2024: First Prize Sculpture – Victorian Artists Society, Australia
- 2015: Third Prize Winner – Wyndham Art Prize, Australia
- 2002: Best in Show & Gold Medal – American Advertising Awards (ADDY), USA
- 2002: Silver Medal – American Advertising Awards (ADDY), USA
- 2002: Best in Show – Sacramento State University Spring Show, USA
EXHIBITIONS:
- 2024: Annual & Awards Exhibition – Association of Sculptors of Victoria, Awarded Tina Wentcher First Prize
- 2024: St Kevin's Omnia Art Prize, Australia
- 2024: George Hicks Foundation Contemporary Exhibition – Victorian Artists Society, Awarded First Prize Sculpture
- 2019: Annual and Awards Exhibition – Association of Sculptors of Victoria
- 2018: "Local" – Wyndham Art Gallery, Solo Sculpture Show (with photographer Robert Young)
- 2015: Wyndham Art Prize – Wyndham Art Gallery, Awarded Third Place
- 2013: Annual and Awards Exhibition – Association of Sculptors of Victoria
PRESS:
- Decade: Wyndham Art Gallery 2011-21 (2022), Wyndham Art Gallery, Werribee, Victoria
- Jimjin (2018): "When Worlds Collide: Local," Wyndham, Available at: Wyndham Star Weekly (Accessed: 13 March 2024)
- Gardner, B. and Fishel, C.M. (2004): Logolounge 2: 2,000 International Identities by Leading Designers, Gloucester, MA: Rockport
Jonathan Gerardo Méndez Baute’s work invites you into a world where traditional techniques meet bold, contemporary ideas—his sculptures are a celebration of anatomy, form, and creativity.
Jonathan Gerardo Méndez Baute (born 1972) is an Australian artist and designer living in Melbourne. Born in Caracas, Venezuela, he specialises in sculpting (Stoneware and Polymer clay), drawing and illustration. As a graphic designer he has worked in publications and corporate branding.
Work in Progress, Stoneware
Still, Earthenware
Goliath's Dream, Stoneware, water based enamel
Jonathan began studying Art & Design at the prestigious Instituto de Diseño Newmann-Ince in Caracas. After emigrating to the United States he obtained a Bachelor of Science in Graphic Design from the Sacramento State University in California USA in May 2002.
In 2012, after spending years living between United States, Switzerland and New Zealand, Jonathan immigrated to Australia with his wife, daughter, and son.
Jonathan describes himself as a self-taught sculptor. His sculptures are highly influenced by the works of American artist and author Stephen Kaltenbach, and by the late Colombian born artist and sculptor Fernando Botero. His design and sculpture work are also inspired by the German Staatliche's Bauhaus Movement.
Short Pose 2, Pencil on paper
Short Pose 1, Pencil on paper
Jonathan’s work reflects his interest in Anatomy.
'Before I approach any subject for sculpting, I like to hand-draw all elements of it. That way I familiarise myself with all shapes and angles contained within the subject. I walk my mind through the spaces by drawing these in detail and then I am ready to sculpt.'
Jonathan’s sculpture work is part of the Victorian Collections.
EDUCATION
2002 Bachelor of Science in Graphic Design, USA
AWARDS
2024 First Prize Sculpture – Victorian Artists Society, Australia
2015 Third Prize Winner - Wyndham Art Prize, Australia
2002 Best in Show & Gold Medal – American Advertising Awards (ADDY - Sacramento), USA
2002 Silver Medal - American Advertising Awards (ADDY - Sacramento), USA
2002 Best in Show – Sacramento State University Spring Show, US
EXHIBITIONS
2024 George Hicks Foundation Contemporary Exhibition – Victorian Artists Society Awarded First Prize Sculpture
2019 Annual and Awards Exhibition – Association of Sculptors of Victoria
2018 Local – Wyndham Art Gallery Solo Sculpture Show together with Point Cook Photographer Robert Young 2015 Wyndham Art Prize – Wyndham Art Gallery Awarded Third Place
2013 Annual and Awards Exhibition – Association of Sculptors of Victoria
PRESS RELEASE
Decade: Wyndham Art Gallery 2011-21 (2022). Werribee Victoria: Wyndham Art Gallery.
Jimjin (2018) When worlds collide: Local, Wyndham. Available at: https://wyndham.starweekly.com.au/news/when-worlds-collide-local/ (Accessed: 13 March 2024).
Gardner, B. and Fishel, C.M. (2004) Logolounge 2: 2,000 international identities by leading designers. Gloucester, MA: Rockport.
Works by Jonathan Gerardo Méndez Baute
Acknowledgment of traditional owners.
We would like to pay our respects to the traditional owners of the land on which our building stands, their leaders, past, present and emerging.