The Artist

Zachary Oxman is an American sculptor renowned for his evocative figurative works that explore the nuances of human experience. Born in 1968 in Reston, Virginia, Oxman studied Baroque sculpture in Florence, Italy, and earned his BFA in Sculpture from Carnegie Mellon University in 1990.

For over three decades, Oxman’s work has been commissioned for public spaces and major private collections across the country. His sculptures have been exhibited at institutions including the Smithsonian American Art Museum, the American Craft Museum in New York, and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. His work is part of the White House Collection of American Crafts and numerous permanent installations throughout the United States.

Oxman’s artistry has been called upon across three presidential administrations. He has created official presidential gifts for dozens of world leaders, including a stainless-steel dove sculpture perched atop a section of iron from the original structure of the Statue of Liberty, presented by President Barack Obama to Pope Francis during a historic 2015 visit.

His current series, Portraits of Empathy: An Exploration of Perception and History, reimagines historical figures through a contemporary lens, utilizing an innovative new technique that Oxman developed to create works that exist in a liminal space between painting, sculpture, and perception. The collection invites personal reflection and collective dialogue.

Oxman’s commitment to cultural diplomacy and public art is reflected in his installations across the country, from major cities to healing spaces in healthcare environments. Whether working with materials such as glass, metal, wood, and paint, or incorporating emerging technologies, he continues to expand the role of sculpture as a tool for storytelling, collective experience, and connection.

ARTIST STATEMENT

Art is my language, sculpture my voice. I shape physical material into forms that bridge the tangible and the imagined, inviting viewers into a world where movement, emotion, and narrative intertwine. My work, whether monumental or intimate, explores the harmony between structure and spontaneity, precision and fluidity.

From public installations that celebrate community identity to presidential gifts that carry symbolic weight, my sculptures seek to resonate on a deeply human level. Influenced by my early studies in Florence and refined through decades of practice, I craft pieces that evoke curiosity, reflection, and connection.

Ultimately, my goal is to create works that endure, not just in material, but in meaning, sparking dialogue and inspiring wonder in those who encounter them.

Zachary Oxman