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People  •  Art + Design, Architecture  •  Assistant Professor

José Menéndez López

José R. Menéndez is a graphic designer and educator, with a background in marine science communication and landscape architecture. His multi-disciplinary practice, research, and teaching are intertwined as he investigates topics such as community engagement through health communication and social justice; expanding the canons of graphic design by highlighting Latin American and Caribbean practices; and designing spatial justice and ecological narratives in the landscape.

Through the lenses of experimental publishing, printmaking, branding, exhibit design, public space interventions, and climate visualizations, José’s work examines the design practice as a platform for multilingual communication, dissemination, access, visibility, equity, and justice at multiple scales.

José is a founding partner at Buena Gráfica Social Studio, a Design and Print Studio in Providence, RI. He is a recipient of a 2020-2022 National Endowment for the Arts Grants for Arts Project, a board member of the Community Built Association and a member of the Fine Arts Work Center’s advisory board.

Research/Publications Highlights

  • Blackstone River Commons—2020-2022 National Endowment for the Arts Grants for Arts Project
  • Caribbean Contrast: Puerto Rican and Cuban carteles and their representation of distinct political relationships with the United States—Incomplete Latinx Stories of Diseño Gráfico, BIPOC Design History
  • Pulling On the Thread: Interview on Gráfica Latina—RISD Alumni Association Podcast

Departments

Art + Design, Architecture

Education

  • M.F.A., Graphic Design, Rhode Island School of Design
  • M.S., Marine Affairs, University of Rhode Island
  • B.S., Landscape Architecture, Temple University