Special Species

Special Species, three artists working as a collective—RFX1 (Jason Chang), Joel Fernando, and Yesenia Prieto—have created an installation in a habitat diorama hall at NHM as part of the exhibition, Reframing Dioramas: The Art of Preserving Wilderness, opening on September 15, 2024. On the occasion of the 100th anniversary of NHM’s diorama halls, the exhibition explores the complicated history and unique artistry of the habitat diorama and is presented in a newly restored diorama hall that has been closed to the public for decades. 

Special Species showcases a variety of handcrafted alebrije (Mexican folk art sculptures of fantastical creatures who represent the spirit world and our connection to nature) made from recycled materials in an amalgamation of California's biomes. It creates an immersive experience that changes with day/night cycles and seasons, featuring spirit animals representing different seasons.

About the Artists

RFX1 Jason Chang, known as RFX1, is a California native artist whose artistic path was cultivated by his Korean immigrant family. He was raised in the diverse San Fernando Valley, where it inspired his multicultural outlook in his works. He was able to delve deeper into his artistic pursuits by attending ArtCenter College of Design and earning his BFA in Illustration/Design. He then honed in on his craft by developing a unique style, which he calls Visionary Pop Art (Vision Pop). This style is an exploration of astrology, numerology, and cosmology as a spiritual foundation with some kind of positive message within it. This resulted in a diverse body of work that encompasses mixed media paintings, digital art, installation work, and eye-catching public art murals. His larger-than-life murals can be seen all over SoCal, and his most prominent projects can be seen in Pomona and Koreatown, becoming integral parts of the urban landscape. RFX1’s commitment to making art accessible has led to collaborations with various cities within L.A. county, council members, and the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea. He is also a member of the nationwide Korean American Artist Collective where he contributes to uplifting and continuing his heritage, which has become an important aspect of his work in recent years. 

Joel Fernando

Joel Fernando, an artist, tech entrepreneur, and creative professional based in Los Angeles, skillfully blends academia, multimedia, and technology in the entertainment industry. With a background in Communication Studies and Film Studies from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington, as well as a master's degree in Media Management from Columbia College Chicago, Joel has excelled as a creative producer, editor, and writer. His work has left its mark on digital giants like Buzzfeed, Viacom, Slate, Wired, and Super Deluxe. Joel's creative journey extended into feature film marketing at Netflix and TPG, where he worked on dozens of global projects from ideation to key art, trailers, and beyond. His talent isn't confined to screens; he's a multimedia artist with immersive installations and video mapping projects featured in renowned institutions. A tech enthusiast, Joel also founded Cause Effect Studios, focusing on innovative project management tools and video game development. Beyond work, he explores street photography, DIY projects, music production, and diverse creative outlets, consistently pushing boundaries and making an indelible mark on the industry. 

Yesenia Prieto

Yesenia Prieto was born and raised in Los Angeles and is a designer and founder of the Pinata Design Studio. Armed with an AS degree in General Business, Marketing, and Logistics as well as artistry passed down to her from generations of entrepreneurs, pinata designers, and sculptors, she stands as a visionary at the forefront of a remarkable cultural renaissance. Starting in the year 2012, she quickly harnessed her artistic skill and entrepreneurial spirit and has since managed larger-than-life installation projects for companies and museums such as LACMA, Microsoft, Google, and celebrities such as international pop star Rhianna. Her relentless efforts have successfully rekindled the public's interest in pinata-making, inspiring a new generation to embrace and engage with this unique art form. Having her works featured in prestigious galleries, museums, and mainstream media outlets has allowed her to showcase this captivating art in a truly special manner. Beyond the realm of artistry, Yesenia's influence extends into the heart of communities. She has organized workshops, community events, and fruitful collaborations with local schools, reaching thousands of individuals who have rediscovered the sheer joy of crafting and celebrating with piñatas.