William Hernandez is a Portland-based painter whose work bridges his Peruvian heritage and current life in the Pacific Northwest. Trained at Lima's Escuela Nacional de Bellas Artes, he worked as a fine artist and graphic designer in Lima before moving to Portland in 2009. Hernandez's art features surreal subjects and a graphic, illustrative style that conveys layered narratives filled with emotions ranging from whimsy to melancholy. His vibrant paintings have been exhibited in galleries and cultural centers across Peru, Portland, and beyond, and are part of private collections in several countries, including Australia, Belgium, and the United States.

An active artist, teacher, and organizer, Hernandez played a key role in the first Intercambio de Artistas Latinos, which aims to connect Latin American artists in the Northwest. He has served as an exhibitor, artist-in-residence, and instructor at Milagros Theater, a central hub for the regional Latinx community. His teaching experience includes roles at the Museum of Art in Lima, VOZ Workers Rights Education Project, and the Portland Art Museum. Currently, he teaches art at Latino Network and Catlin Gabel East Campus. Hernandez's dedication to the arts and education reflects his commitment to fostering creativity and cultural expression within his community.