Merryn Omotayo Alaka and Sam Frésquez Debut 'Your Birth is My Birth' at Jane Lombard Gallery
The Jane Lombard Gallery in New York is set to unveil 'Your Birth is My Birth,' marking the first exhibition of artists Merryn Omotayo Alaka and Sam Frésquez in the city. The display expands upon their prior work, 'Hairland', featuring interactive sculptures inspired by synthetic hair. Visitors can explore five distinct pieces focused on themes of connection and self-identity, all presented within a vibrant conservatory setting. Since their collaboration began in 2017 after meeting at Arizona State University, Alaka and Frésquez achieved recognition, including the 2022 Lehman Emerging Artist Award. This exhibition will open on May 1, 2026, and runs until June 13.
Key facts
- First exhibition at Jane Lombard Gallery by Merryn Omotayo Alaka and Sam Frésquez
- New York debut for the artists
- Builds on ongoing series 'Hairland'
- Features five species of works: Listening Roots, Hearing Bells, Mother & Child, Stacking Pearls, Umbra Pods
- Influenced by epiphytes such as orchids, bromeliads, and mosses
- Artists met at Arizona State University and began collaboration in 2017
- Awarded Lehman Emerging Artist Award at Phoenix Art Museum in 2022
- Both earned MFAs in 2025: Frésquez from Yale School of Art, Omotayo Alaka from School of the Art Institute of Chicago
- Exhibition dates: May 1 – June 13, 2026
- Opening reception: Friday, May 1, 6–8 PM
Entities
Artists
- Merryn Omotayo Alaka
- Sam Frésquez
Institutions
- Jane Lombard Gallery
- Arizona State University
- Tucson Museum of Art
- Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington
- Phoenix Art Museum
- Arizona State University Art Museum
- Yale School of Art
- School of the Art Institute of Chicago
Locations
- New York
- Indianapolis
- IN
- Mesa
- AZ
- Chicago
- IL