Chain Reaction: Circum-navigating the Hanford Nuclear Reservation examines the barren landscape surrounding the largest nuclear waste dump in the Western Hemisphere. Traveling the perimeter of the site I encounter numerous rest stops, abandoned settlements, and wildlife sancturies. The ironies that result from the juxtaposition of two very different landscapes- the recreational site and the Superfund site- become the focus of this series. (Chain Reaction was originally a two-person exhibition organized with multi-media artist Doug Gast- whose work also investigates the reservation.)
Farmscapes: A Rephotographic Survey of Northern Illinois Farmland illustrates a landscape that is in a constant struggle with urbanization and acts as a fulcrum between the natural and inhabited landscape. Far more farmland is being converted than is necessary to provide housing for a growing population. Over the last decade, "cookie cutter" subdivisions, strip malls and fast-food chains have replaced many of the locations I originally photographed.
Aman: Ruins of Ireland's West Coast is a series of images exploring the presence of the human mark on the landscape; made visible through the commonality of this region's deserted villages, derelict homesteads, and medieval abbeys. Mark making and graffiti becomes common practice at these locations amongst Irish youth, and along with its obvious history and surface aesthetics, further dictates the region's visual history and tradtion.
A Recent History addresses historical and cultural landmarks throughout the rural Palouse region in the form of battlefields, roadside memorials, and Native American sacred sites. These images are made by physically turning my back on the signifier in order to make a photograph. This process reflects a deliberate response to the sanitized perspective of the tourists gaze and questions the authenticity of how we label the landscape in regards to its cultural or historical significance.
Northern Illinois Wetlands depicts the state of the region's natural features. Since its recorded history 99.9% of the Illinois tall grasslands and oak savanahs have completely vanished. Aldo Leopold observes that rural Illinois is often depicted as "...the sea on which they [travelers] sail to posts unknown." In response, with this series I attempt to examine the Illinois landscape and its delicacy rather than act merely as an observer.
Temples and Alleyways explores the city of Píngyáo, China- a city that avoided most of the damage incurred by Mao's Cultural Revolution. Mao's revolution attacked the "Four Olds": old ideas, old culture, old customs, and old habits. Initially drawn to photographing how these four olds were exemplified throughout the city, I often found myself lost in a maze of alleyways, private courtyards, and temples. These two public spheres, however different in context, intersect through their contemplativeness. This sentiment is accented with the juxtaposition of these two locations photographically.
Samples of student coursework illustrating images from beginning thru MFA levels of study.
The Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) has awarded Zach an international Gold medal for "Photographer of the Year" on behalf of recent photography in Washington State Magazine. Feature photography that has contributed to this success consists of stories such as, "Of Time and Wilderness in the North Cascades, Spring 2010" and themed issues like "Cultivated Landscapes, Fall 2010."
In 2008, Zach also received a CASE Gold medal award in 2008 for "Best Photographic Series" on behalf of his photography in "Home of My Family: Ozette, the Makah, and Doc Daugherty."
