Fritz Scholder (1937-2005)
Fritz Scholder was born on October 6, 1937 in Breckenridge, Missouri. His paternal grandmother was a member of the Luiseño tribe of Mission Indians. Throughout his childhood, the painter's family moved frequently, living mostly in small towns in the Dakotas and Wisconsin. In the long winter evenings, young Fritz amused himself by drawing, an interest that was soon channeled into serious art study. Although Scholder did not consider himself an Indian, he would be regarded by many as a leader of the New American Indian Art movement. The painte,r Oscar Howe, a Sioux Indian, introduced him to modern art while he was still in high school. In 1957, the family settled in Sacramento, where Scholder earned a Bachelor of Arts degree at Sacramento State University. At Sacramento, the painter, Wayne Thiebaud, exposed Scholder to the Pop Art movement. Thiebaud also arranged Scholder's first solo exhibition.
After graduating Scholder taught public school in Sacramento. He then moved to Arizona to earn his Master’s Degree in Fine Art at the University of Arizona. From 1964 to 1969 he taught painting and art history at the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe, New Mexico. In time Scholder created an extraordinary fusion of abstract expressionism, surrealism and pop art to express his unique vision of the Southwestern scene and the Native experience.
Fritz is perhaps most associated with his Indian series depicting the stereotypical Native American which shocked the public upon its release, stirring an incredible controversy. Over a dozen books have been published on Fritz Scholder and his work, and he has been profiled in two documentaries for public television. Scholder artwork has exhibited throughout the world including such far off destinations as St. Petersburg, Japan, France, Germany, China and as well as throughout the United States. He has been bestowed many high honors for his achievements in the art world and specifically Native American Art. In 1985 he was honored with the Golden Plate Award from the American Academy of Achievement. He received five honorary degrees from Ripon College, University of Arizona, Concordia College, The College of Santa Fe, and the first honorary degree from the University of Wisconsin, Superior. In 2002, Scholder was awarded the Arizona Governor’s Award. Scholder lived in Scottsdale, AZ for several years before his death in 2005. A memorial was held for Scholder at the Heard Museum in Phoenix, AZ that was attended by hundreds of local residents, friends, fellow artists, and others from the art community.
American Fine Art Editions, Inc. proudly represents the works of the famed Native American artist, Fritz Scholder in addition to a variety of other world renowned artists including: Pablo Picasso, Andy Warhol, Joan Miro, Andrew Wyeth, LeRoy Neiman, Salvador Dali, Marc Chagall, Marcel Mouly, Thomas Pradzynski, and more. Visit our 12,000 sq. ft. showroom in Old Town Scottsdale, AZ or call one of our International Art Consultants today. Our website is offered only as a limited place to browse or refresh your memory and is not a reflection of our current inventory. If you need to learn more about collecting, pricing, value or any other art information your International Art Consultant will assist you and give you the one on one attention you deserve. We hope you find our website helpful and look forward to seeing you in Scottsdale soon.
|
