Exploring Simulacra

Justin Menendez is an American contemporary artist, who focuses on the process of Abstract Deconstructionism, in which analog paintings are translated into the digital realm and deconstructed before being printed and manually textured. This practice has rapidly gained recognition for its conceptual rigor and its unique synthesis of both traditional techniques, and contemporary digital discourse.

In 2025, Menendez unveiled his series titled "Exploring Simulacra,” that is focused on the concept of a copy without an original and questions the relationship between authenticity and replication. His work is featured at 621 Gallery, which recently hosted their monthly First Friday event where acoustic duo Hot Tamale played and local vendors set a variety of different goods. This event received good turn out and one of his pieces sold.