Fritz William Scholder Art for Sale: Prints & Originals

Fritz
William Scholder

Fritz William Scholder, a revolutionary figure in Native American art, is known for his vivid and often controversial depictions of Native American culture. If you’re seeking original Fritz William Scholder prints and editions for sale or would like to sell, request a complimentary valuation and browse our network’s most in-demand works.

Biography

Born in 1937 in Breckenridge, Minnesota, Fritz Scholder grew up in a family of diverse cultural backgrounds, which greatly influenced his artistic perspective. His early education included studying under influential artists like Wayne Thiebaud at Sacramento City College. Scholder later pursued an MFA at the University of Arizona, where he further honed his style.

Scholder achieved recognition in the late 1960s with his vivid and often controversial paintings of Native American subjects. Works like Indian With Beer Can departed from romanticised portrayals, presenting contemporary Native American life with bold colours, surreal forms, and unflinching realism. This approach both challenged stereotypes and raised discussions around the complexities of Native American identity, garnering both acclaim and controversy.

Scholder’s works from the 1960s and 1970s showcased his skill in juxtaposing traditional motifs with modern social commentary. His use of exaggerated forms, abstract backgrounds, and striking colours created vivid imagery that redefined Native American art. Scholder also explored other mediums, such as printmaking and sculpture, further expanding his artistic reach.

Scholder’s refusal to conform to expectations and his depiction of Native Americans in contemporary settings brought him both praise and criticism. He sought to humanise his subjects, offering a portrayal that resisted simplistic narratives. His influence went beyond his paintings, as he became a pivotal figure in the Native American art movement, advocating for greater understanding and recognition of Native American artists.

In addition to painting, Scholder was a skilled printmaker, sculptor, and photographer. His lithographs and monotypes often translated his paintings’ vivid colours and bold forms into graphic artworks. His photography, primarily in black and white, captured his unique perspective on modern Native American life, providing a different medium through which to understand his nuanced approach to identity and cultural representation.
In 2009, Fritz Scholder: Indian/Not Indian, a critically acclaimed exhibition that won the Gold Muse award for best video production from the American Alliance of Museums, featured 135 of Scholder's works, showcasing his nuanced relationship with his heritage. Exhibited in both Washington, D.C., and New York, the Washington display focused on Scholder’s provocative works from the 1960s and 1970s, while the New York collection highlighted his later pieces, focused on the metaphysical.
Beyond his significant contributions as an artist, Scholder was also an influential educator. He taught at the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe, New Mexico, where he mentored a generation of Native American artists. His teaching and guidance were instrumental in shaping a new wave of indigenous art, encouraging his students to find their own voice rather than conform to stereotypical art forms.