Merryn Omotayo Alaka

Merryn Omotayo Alaka (b. 1997, Indianapolis, Indiana) is a Nigerian and American artist who holds a BFA in printmaking from Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ. 

Alaka’s work spans from sculptural works, textiles, to jewelry design and explores realities and identities across the Black Diaspora and the Black female body. Her works often draw references from West African textiles, Yoruba beaded sculptures and forms of adornment. She uses culturally and historically significant materials such as hair, jewelry, beads, and textiles to do so. Alaka uses this range of materials to address subjective cultural and racial perspectives.

Merryn Omotayo Alaka currently lives and works in Chicago, Illinois pursuing her MFA at The School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Her work is represented by Lisa Sette Gallery, in Phoenix Arizona.

Notable Exhibitions

Omotayo Alaka has exhibited at institutions including the Tucson Museum of Art, Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art, and Mesa Contemporary Arts Center. Omotayo Alaka is the recipient of the 2022 Lehman Emerging Artist Grant from the Phoenix Art Museum.