Zachary Presley

Zachary Presley is a Chickasaw artist who has been
published nationally and internationally. He received his
BA of Arts at East Central University, Ada, Oklahoma and his MFA at Wichita State University, Wichita, Kansas.

In the artist own words:

My work highlights the stereotyping and commercialization of Native Americans and their cultural objects. I created The Atomic Indian Corporation to embody the concept of selling "Indian-ness". I collect so called "cultural relics" that are so far removed from their original purpose that they no longer represent any true relevancy. In doing this I illustrate how stereotyping and consumption dilutes both appropriated culture and the consumer.
Native Americans and their goods are used for their propensity to be objects of entertainment and décor and do not necessarily invite creative thought or investigation into their cultural histories. When we desire a connection to a culture, and find ourselves willing to outsource and denigrate the object, we also denigrate ourselves and our relationship to the American culture. My work demonstrates how the unique identity of the individual culture is increasingly less important.

Byng High School '02

East Central University BA of Arts '08

Wichita State University
MFA Printmaking '12

Grants/Fellowships/Awards/Lectures

2013 “Momentum,” Spotlight Artist grant for my project “Toys and Types, Oklahoma City, OK

2012 Ulrich Museum of Art’s SENIOR WEDNESDAY: The Atomic Indian Zachary Presley (Lecture),
Wichita, KS (WSU Eugene M. Hughes Metropolitan Complex)

2012 “Momentum,” winner of the LEVEL Urban Award of Merit, Oklahoma City, OK
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2011 “Momentum Tulsa,” winner of the Honorable Mention Award, Tulsa, OK

2011 “Edge Art,” winner of the award of merit, Oklahoma City, OK

2010 “Momentum,” winner of the Adam Todd Memorial Award of Merit, Oklahoma City, OK

2009-2012 GTA Award, Wichita State University, KS

2009-2012 Clayton Staples Fellowship, Wichita State University, KS

2006 “24 Works on Paper,” winner of the award of merit touring exhibition

2003-2008 ECU, Won: 3 Chair's Awards, 2 Dean's Award, Leon Polk Smith Award Ada, Ok

2002 Won Chickasaw Senior Artist of the Year, Ada, OK

2001 Won Chickasaw Junior Artist of the Year, Ada, OK

2001 Won Gold Key Award from Tulsa University, Tulsa, OK

Exhibition Record (*invitational show)

2013 “Momentum,” Oklahoma City, OK (Spotlight Artist)

2012 “Red Dot,” IAO, Oklahoma City, OK

2012 “12X1...