Forced portraits

In this collection of oil paintings, Mexican-born Rogelio Manzo only demands one thing: that his painted subjects just be themselves. If it means a mangled plastic baby strewn across an upper body, then so be it; if it means a red paper airplane sailing toward a subject’s mouth, fine. The portraits are at once disturbing and amusing; the subject’s eyes offer a telling glimpse into how they’re handling the forced situation: One subject might say, “This rubber ducky on my shoulder is awkward and uncomfortable,” while another is more at ease with the heart pinned to his coat. In “The Clock,” a dandelion’s head stretches toward the subject, as if it’s trying to look closer into the man’s obvious discomfort. The Francis Bacon-esque characters—flayed, fragmented, yet full of life—might even tell you something about yourself. Discover these paintings at GLC Real Estate on 1530 X Street. (916) 801-3008. www.glcsacramento.com. Gallery hours are Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Through April 2.