Discipline & ANARCHY: Alejandra Hernandez
Alejandra Hernandez is a self-taught artist, photographer, and 'whimsical melancholic' operating out of San Francisco, CA. Splitting her time between corporate brand design by day and the canvas/her camera by night, her multi-disciplinary practice is defined by its moody, existential, and cinematic textures. Her painting and photography have been featured in independent local galleries within the Bay Area, including a recent April 2026 group showcase at The Faight. She holds a BFA in graphic design from the Academy of Art University.
WHY DO YOU DO IT? WHAT DRIVES YOU?
That has felt like it’s changed over time. I think it once was an innate curiosity and desire to simply create, but after many years I’ve learned that it's driven by a need to express things I can’t find the words for in hopes of resonating with others alike. Another big reason I think I do it is to alchemize heavy emotions instead of keeping them spinning around my head.
WHAT IS ONE THING YOU DO FOR SANITY MAINTENANCE?
Incredibly long daily walks and a morning cup of coffee, sometimes topped with cold foam cream.WHAT IS THE SCRAPPIEST THING YOU’VE DONE FOr money?
I think at one point I juggled two jobs (cafe and a design internship) while finishing art school, mainly to pay for supplies.YOUR TASK IS TO PRESCRIBE ONE BOOK OR FILM TO THE COLLECTIVE. WHAT IS IT?
THE UNBEARABLE LIGHTNESS OF BEING by Milan Kundera. Both the book and the film.Current obsession?
I’ve been getting very DIY with my analog film camera, like messing with cellophane/saran wrap and good ol' Vaseline. I think it’s coming from a desire to imbue an artistic touch to any medium I work with.
MOST USEFUL FAILURE?
Heartbreaks—of all kinds. They always serve as a way to help me redirect my energy and to transmute any pain into valuable learnings and growth (as cliche as it sounds sometimes).SELECTED Q FROM THE PROUST QUESTIONNAIRE: WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER THE MOST OVERRATED VIRTUE?
Loyalty. It’s not a flex to stay or overlook dysfunction of any sort for the sake of blind devotion.WHAT ARE YOU CURRENTLY WORKING ON?
Figuring out how to switch back and forth from painting and photography these days. As far as painting, I have a few series I want to flesh out based on some current pieces from the past few years. With photography, I’ve been challenging myself to delve into live music these days. The woes of being multi-hyphenate...
DISCIPLINE OR ANARCHY?
Both; we love duality over here. Idk, I’m a libra. check out Alejandra’s recent work
PAINTING
LIVE MUSIC PHOTOGRAPHY
