Rebeca Méndez

Rebeca Méndez is a Professor and Chair of Design Media Arts at UCLA, affiliated with the School of the Arts and Architecture. She leads the CounterForce Lab, a research studio addressing ecological crises and environmental injustice through art and design. Her work spans installations, public art, video, and design, emphasizing posthumanism and eco-feminism. Key projects include the Tucson January 8th Memorial, Crenshaw Station mosaics, and the The Sea Around Us oceanic installation. Awards include the National Design Award (2012), AIGA Medal (2017), and honorary doctorate from Art Center College of Design (2019). She has held leadership roles at UCLA, Cooper-Hewitt Museum, and global design studios.

Education: Born in Mexico City, immigrated to the U.S. in 1980. Alumna of Art Center College of Design, where she later redesigned its visual identity. Professional experience includes founding Rebeca Méndez Design (1996), leadership at Ogilvy & Mather, and Microsoft Store design work.

Research focuses on merging art, science, and design to address ecological challenges. Recent grants include the Chancellor’s Arts Initiative (2022). Major exhibitions include SFMOMA, LACMA, and Venice Biennale. Public commissions exceed 4,000 sq. ft. in scale, emphasizing community and environmental themes.