Hello, I’m Israel Mendez, a Fine Art Major at the University of Nebraska. As a first-generation immigrant and college student, I use my unique perspective in my work to explore the complexities of what it means be alive today. Through painting, sculpture, and printmaking, I delve into both the major events that dominate the news and the subtle, often overlooked aspects of the human experience.

I was born and raised in a small village in Guanajuato, Mexico, and at the age of five my family and I immigrated to Nebraska. I grew up in the small town of Crete, Nebraska, one of the first minority majority towns, and where I was exposed to the dynamics between the old agricultural Midwest and the modern food industry. This exposure shaped my understanding of the vital role labor plays in our society. I’m passionate about shining a light on the often-unequal relationship between labor and compensation, with the goal of promoting greater fairness and equity for all.

At the same time, I am fascinated by the enduring nature of the human experience and how certain emotions and behaviors have remained unchanged despite our many technological advances. With that in mind, I hope to communicate the importance of resilient, diverse, and fair communities. Communities that will serve as a substrate for future generations and promote healthy human and ecological prosperity.

Ultimately, my life’s mission is to create beautiful things that spark introspections about why our world is the way it is. Art is a powerful tool, not only to communicate, but to make sense of the world around us, and I am dedicated to using my abilities to create meaningful and impactful art.