The Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery in Washington is currently offering an exhibit focusing on the contemporary portraits of six U.S. Latino artists. Under the title Portraiture Now: Staging the Self, these creative and often experimental works challenge our traditional view of a portrait.

Like actors searching for a character, these artists are searching for identity. One of the artists exploring her identity is Carlee Fernandez. She lives in California and defines herself as a sculptor who creates “sculptural hybrids.” Among her work is the “Man Series”, in which she super-imposes images of men she respects over herself. It also features the “Bear Series” in which she unites with taxidermied animals.