Fritz Scholder Original Gouache Painting of an Indian [SOLD]

Early in his career, Fritz Scholder stated that, despite being of Luiseño descent, he would never "paint the Indian." As an abstract painter with postmodern sensibilities, he had little interest in the traditional flat-style watercolors being made and sold by Native artists. Anglo-American artists' romanticized portrayals of Native Americans as noble savages and wise spiritualists had become, to him, a "tremendous visual cliché."

In 1964, Scholder moved to Santa Fe to teach painting at the newly-established Institute of American Indian Arts. He found himself surrounded by Native culture, and began attending ceremonial dances at the neighboring pueblos. He began adding pieces of Native art to his personal collection. Most importantly, he was inspired by the fresh and exciting creative voices of his students. He ultimately decided to paint Indian subjects, but to do so on his own terms and without regard for tradition.

Fritz Scholder (1937-2005) painted his first Indian during the winter of 1967—slightly over fifty years ago. He would go on to create hundreds of images of Indians, some of which would become iconic works. Many of these images depicted Indians in modern settings, often while dressed in ceremonial regalia. These images were humorous, ironic, and occasionally shocking. Others were more traditional: portraits, straightforward depictions of Katsina dances, and pueblo ceremonial scenes. That these works have aged so well and become so highly collectible speaks to Scholder's natural ability to create art that is both beautiful and forward-thinking.

A handful of Scholder's most striking works shelve the humor and irony in favor of a more straightforward depiction of the beauty of Native culture. This untitled gouache painting of a single Indian man is a fine example of Scholder doing exactly that. His brushwork is expressive and full of life, his color choices bold and impactful. The purple with which he created his subject is thick and dark in some areas and bright and transparent in others. His subject's face is calm and expressive, the clothing merely suggested by black outlining. He chose, combined, and blended colors masterfully, resulting in a wealth of depth and texture that becomes more rewarding with repeated viewings.

This painting was completed in 1975, only a dozen years after his first Indian painting, and when Indian subject matter was still fairly new territory for Scholder. Scholder's signature appears in the bottom center. The painting has recently been framed using acid-free materials.

Condition: very good condition.

Provenance: this Fritz Scholder Original Gouache Painting of an Indian is from the collection of a client of the gallery. The painting was sold in 1975 at Janie C. Lee Gallery, Houston, Texas

Recommended Reading: Super Indian: Fritz Scholder, 1967-1980 by John P. Lukavic and Kent Logan

TAGS: Luiseño Indian, a California Mission Tribe, Santa Fe, paintings, lithographs, Albuquerque, Fritz Scholder, Luiseño Indian Painter