Barbara Mendes

Mendes, Barbara "Willy"
Mendes, Willie

American, born 1948

Explore selected works

This is a drawing of a stylized superhero character. The central figure, a woman with long blonde hair, stands in a confident pose with her arms raised. She wears a gold and red outfit with a star pattern, crescents on her cape, and long boots. Surrounding her are elements such as a rainbow arch, clouds, and four circular panels with faces labeled: "SPEED QUEEN," "THE LION," "SASHI +," and "GOD." The background has bold colors, including blues, greens, and yellows. Text at the top reads "All Girl Thrills" and a circular detail indicates "50 Cents."
Various Artists, Trina Robins, Barbara Mendes, Julie Wood, The Print Mint, Inc., All Girl Thrills, published 1971, 36-page paperback bound volume with half-tone and offset lithograph illustrations on wove paper, with cover in full color, Gift of William and Abigail Gerdts, 2014.126.6

All Girl Thrills

Various Artists, Trina Robins, Barbara Mendes, Julie Wood, The Print Mint, Inc. · published 1971 · 36-page paperback bound volume with half-tone and offset lithograph illustrations on wove paper, with cover in full color ·  Accession ID  2014.126.6

This is a painting depicting a surreal scene with a figure. The figure is characterized by exaggerated eyes and mouth, appearing distressed. The figure seems to be in a state of panic, engaged in what looks like prayer or pleading. A speech bubble from its mouth contains a plea for divine intervention amidst references to vices such as "dope, crime, smut." Surrounding the figure are various objects like cigarette butts, pills, brass knuckles, and abstract shapes. In the background, there is a religious figure with antlers and a crown holding a staff. A yellow border on the left reads "JESUS NEVER FAILS." An open book with strange illustrations is present, adding to the chaotic atmosphere. The painting is created in a vibrant and exaggerated comic style.
Various Artists, Robert Crumb, Barbara Mendes, Gary Arlington, San Francisco Comic Book Company, Rick Griffin, Gerald W. Page, Jeff Jones, Roger Brand, Al Williamson, Reed Crandall, Steve Ditko, Johnny Chambers, All Stars, No. 2, published 1970, 78-page paperback bound volume with half-tone and offset lithograph illustrations on variously colored wove paper and cover in full color, Gift of William and Abigail Gerdts, 2014.126.7

All Stars, No. 2

Various Artists, Robert Crumb, Barbara Mendes, Gary Arlington, San Francisco Comic Book Company, Rick Griffin, Gerald W. Page, Jeff Jones, Roger Brand, Al Williamson, Reed Crandall, Steve Ditko, Johnny Chambers · published 1970 · 78-page paperback bound volume with half-tone and offset lithograph illustrations on variously colored wove paper and cover in full color ·  Accession ID  2014.126.7