Jose Mendoza is a figurative bronze sculptor most known for his commissioned works that dot significant areas of Metro Manila's landscape. Most notably, they are the cluster of monuments and sculptures in Makati's central business district, and in the historic Rizal Park where he was resident sculptor from 1968-1986. 

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The numerous artworks include landmark monuments such as the Gabriela Silang on Ayala Avenue, the Bataan Monument that used to mark the Ayala Triangle, the Giant Relief Map of the Philippines at the eastern boundary of the Rizal Park, the pre-historic creatures in the Children's Playground in Luneta, as well as the Carabao and Tamaraw of the Quirino Grand Stand, to name a few. These iconic works have played an essential role in shaping the way people experience these public spaces -- imbuing them with a sense of history and soul.

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While the public face of his art is more traditional, his non-commissioned, lesser known works are more modern - stylized and dynamic studies of the human figure, as well as more abstract works that are reflections on social realities. Of the latter, three of his award-winning pieces grace the halls of the Batasang Pambansa, the official headquarters of the Philippines' House of Representatives: Taong Katauhan (Personification of a Year), Population Explosion, and Kasaysayan ng Isang Lungsod (History of a City). 

 

It is noteworthy that Mendoza casts his own works. In the late 60's, under the auspices of Teodoro Valencia who was then managing the Rizal Park, he learned bronze casting using the ceramic shell technique at the University of Kansas. He has since then cast not only his own works but has also helped other artists realize their works in bronze. Together with his son, Jordan, who is also a sculptor, they established Bronze Art Manila, and offer this service to other artists. 

 

This versatility evident in the different forms of expression, as well in the ability to both design and fabricate his works, continues to serve  him as he embodies the later stages of his life as an artist. Now in his 80's, ever-resourceful, and ever more passionate in his creativity, he has taught himself how to create images in virtual reality. He now creates digital, 3-D sculptures, allowing him to bypass the labor-intensive processes that used to be necessary in the out-forming of his creative visions. His very first 3D-printed sculpture will be on display this year at the annual Art Fair Philippines.