Fritz Scholder, Mask of the artist, 1982

Fritz Scholder was an American artist of Luiseño and European American heritage, known for his provocative and controversial depictions of Native American culture and identity. He was born in 1937 in Wisconsin and studied at the Indian School in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and later at the University of Arizona.

Scholder’s artwork challenged traditional stereotypes and romanticized views of Native Americans in mainstream American culture, using bold colors and unconventional techniques to create works that were often political, satirical, and thought-provoking. He was a pioneer in the “New Indian Art” movement and his work has been influential in the contemporary Native American art world.

Scholder’s work has been exhibited in galleries and museums around the world, and he received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to the arts. He also taught at various universities and was a mentor to many Native American artists. Scholder passed away in 2005, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most important and influential Native American artists of the 20th century.