Biography

Born in New Mexico, Summer Zah is one of the last of her generation to uphold an educational legacy set-forth by her previous familial contemporaries. Her creative endeavors began at an early age by practicing traditional Native American artistry such as loom-work and beading. She completed her undergraduate studies with a degree in Studio Fine Arts (focus in printmaking) and a degree in Native American Studies. Summer Zah is best known for her work on social commentary about Native Americans, which, in turn, is highly influenced by her Navajo, Jicarilla Apache, and Choctaw backgrounds. Her art is characterized by earthy tones and vibrant colors, indigenous iconography, and text. As a conceptual artist, Ms. Zah identifies misgivings towards Native Americans by indigenous peoples as well as non-natives, including her own thought process inside and out of the community, to create pieces in a pursuit to grasp the idealism of enlightenment.