Biography
Born in 1937 in Breckenridge, Minnesota, Fritz Scholder knew he wanted to be an artist from a young age. Despite being an enrolled member of the Luiseno tribe, he often claimed he was "not an Indian". After completing his MFA in 1964, Scholder accepted an instructor position in Advanced Painting and Contemporary Art History at the newly formed Institute of American Indians Arts in Santa Fe, New Mexico. His works quickly gained recognition for their revolutionary depictions of Native Americans and commented on publicly held stereotypes and what it means to be Indigenous. His style and influence made him a leader of the Contemporary Native American Art movement.
Scholder was a world traveler, teacher, lecturer, and highy sought after exhibitionist. His work was influenced by the cultures and sights he saw, but his distinct use of vivid color and explosive brushstrokes can be seen throughout his paintings. Although he became well known from his painting, Scholder was also talented across many mediums including printmaking and sculpture.
Scholder passed away in his home in Scottsdale, Arizona in 2005 leaving a lasting impact through his work. His love of teaching inspired a new generation of Native American artists to continue to break boundaries and push the Contemporary Native American Art Movement Forward.
Born in 1937 in Breckenridge, Minnesota, Fritz Scholder knew he wanted to be an artist from a young age. Despite being an enrolled member of the Luiseno tribe, he often claimed he was "not an Indian". After completing his MFA in 1964, Scholder accepted an instructor position in Advanced Painting and Contemporary Art History at the newly formed Institute of American Indians Arts in Santa Fe, New Mexico. His works quickly gained recognition for their revolutionary depictions of Native Americans and commented on publicly held stereotypes and what it means to be Indigenous. His style and influence made him a leader of the Contemporary Native American Art movement.
Scholder was a world traveler, teacher, lecturer, and highy sought after exhibitionist. His work was influenced by the cultures and sights he saw, but his distinct use of vivid color and explosive brushstrokes can be seen throughout his paintings. Although he became well known from his painting, Scholder was also talented across many mediums including printmaking and sculpture.
Scholder passed away in his home in Scottsdale, Arizona in 2005 leaving a lasting impact through his work. His love of teaching inspired a new generation of Native American artists to continue to break boundaries and push the Contemporary Native American Art Movement Forward.