Jonathan Gerardo Méndez Baute

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.