Biography

Justin Menendez, born in 1981 in Tampa, Florida, is a contemporary digital mixed media artist currently based in Tallahassee, Florida. Working primarily with acrylic on canvas and photography, Menendez holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Cultural Theory, earned in 2003. He is best known for his bold, deconstructed compositions that explore the themes of simulacra, perception, and fragmentation. His practice merges traditional painting techniques with digital manipulation to produce immersive, large-scale works characterized by high-contrast color palettes and dynamic, expressive textures.

Menendez’s artistic approach centers on abstract deconstruction, often challenging the viewer’s understanding of authenticity, image, and meaning. His works reflect a critical engagement with postmodern theory, particularly the idea of simulacra—the representation of things that no longer have an original reference. Through his series Exploring Simulacra, Menendez constructs layered visual narratives that blur the boundaries between the real and the imagined. His practice is marked by an ongoing investigation into how digital and physical media can coexist and evolve together in the creation of new visual languages.

Justin Menendez has exhibited his work at prominent venues including Leroy Collins Library, 621 Gallery, and City Hall in Tallahassee, Florida. His work has been acquired by numerous private collectors, both nationally and internationally. He has also participated in several esteemed art events such as the YICCA International Contest of Contemporary Art in Venice, Italy; Creative Tallahassee in Florida; the Landscapes: International Art Competition in Greenville, USA; the Timeless Abstract Competition in New York; and the Abstracts Art Competition in Santa Fe, USA.