Art department professor Mendoza takes home prize for movie poster design
Tuesday, December 5, 2023
Media Contact: Elizabeth Gosney | CAS Marketing and Communications Manager | 405-744-7497 | egosney@okstate.edu
Nick Mendoza of the Department of Art, Graphic Design and Art History at Oklahoma State University recently received a silver award from the United States International Poster Biennial in the "Cultural" category.
Professor Mendoza’s poster, which he designed for the 2022 film “The Integrity of Joseph Chambers,” was one of 285 pieces chosen for the biennial show from among 7,380 entries submitted by professional and student artists, graphic designers, photographers and visual communicators from 75 countries. Mendoza and the other winning artists were recognized at an opening reception for USIPB at Iowa State University in October.
"This award validates my work among my peers, brings exposure to the OSU community and shows the students I teach how much time and dedication I put into my work,” Mendoza said. “I hope to instill in the students that same work ethic and drive.”
In Mendoza’s poster, he portrayed the film’s protagonist — an insurance salesman and inexperienced hunter — as the hunted rather than the hunter. The contrast between the character’s resolute intentions and the unforeseen outcome is depicted through the incorporation of an elusive deer head overlaying Joseph Chambers’ figure.
The co-founders of USIPB Christopher Scott and Ryan Slone praised Mendoza’s artistic abilities, describing the poster as having “what some refer to as a smile in the mind,” Slone said. "With its simple, yet brilliant combination of a human figure and an animal, it invites the viewer to take note, look closer and learn more.”
“Mendoza’s work encompasses everything that surrounds a great poster: A powerful concept, striking visuals and a thoughtful message,” Scott said. “This should inspire students to pursue their creative endeavors even more passionately.
“It can serve as a motivator to work hard, as students learn not only from what their professors teach in the classroom but also from their real-world experiences.”
According to Mendoza, the exhibition was truly exceptional due to its rigorous selection process.
“The fact that one of the judges was Angelina Lippert, chief curator of Poster House in New York, the U.S.’s first poster-focused museum, adds prestige to the event,” he said.
Other jury members included Rikke Hansen, Saki Mafundikwa, Woody Pirtle, Drueding + Scorsone, Felipe Taborda, Xiao Yong and Agnieszka Ziemiszewska.
After its U.S. tour — with locations including Long Beach, California; Purdue University; Temple University; University of Alabama at Birmingham; and University of Arkansas — the exhibition will travel to Poland and China in 2024.
“This will bring remarkable exposure to my work globally and strengthen my association with Oklahoma State University,” Mendoza said.
Story By: Adeola Favour, CAS graduate assistant | fadeola@okstate.edu