About

Jalena’s practice is all about taking control of the chaos. Her work layers Pen, Ink, Gouache, Pastel and Colored Pencil to create intricate compositions that don’t just ask for your attention—they demand it. These compositions evoke a tension between abstraction and emotion, where every mark becomes part of a larger exploration of themes such as impermanence, resilience, and interconnectedness. 

Jalena Hay was born and raised in Southern California before moving to New York City to study Drawing and Printmaking at Pratt Institute. During her time at Pratt, she studied under the mentorship of renowned artists such as Thomas Bosket and Jennifer Melby. Her passion for printmaking took her to Amsterdam, where she dove deep into lithography, pushing the boundaries of line, texture and form.  

Exhibiting throughout New York, Jalena continues to refine her work. She lives and works in Brooklyn, constantly evolving her approach as she explores how personal and universal themes intersect in her work. Her work has been exhibited in galleries across New York, including Warnes Contemporary, Long Island City Artists, and ENGN, and has been featured in publications such as Suboart Magazine and Canvas Rebel. She will be attending the Vermont Studio Center Residency in 2025.