Fritz William Scholder (American - Mission/Luiseno, 1937-2005). "Blue Bolo Tie" acrylic on paper, n.d. Signed in pencil at bottom. A striking painting by the legendary Fritz Scholder depicting a white-faced figure dressed in blue and wearing a bolo tie - a staple accessory of Native American peoples across the Southwest. The figure, perhaps representing Scholder himself, is presented half-length, facing forward, with hands either behind his back or hidden by the sleeves of his garment. He is delineated in Scholder's signature explosive manner with loose brushstrokes and dramatic paint drips, in shades of blue, black and white. This mesmerizing white-faced figure possesses an undeniably eerie quality characteristic of Scholder's visual commentaries on mortality and isolation, exuding an air of mystery, like the artist himself. Size with frame: 38" W x 52" H (96.5 cm x 132.1 cm)

Fritz Scholder created powerful depictions of Native Americans that depart from stereotypes. Interestingly, although Scholder was enrolled as a member of the Luiseno tribe, he oftentimes claimed that he was not actually Indian. Nevertheless, his art demonstrated a refreshing rejection of sentimental, romantic portrayals of indigenous peoples. In his words, "I have painted the Indian real, not red." He based his imagery on actual historical research. For example, Scholder revealed that his painting of a Native American wrapped in an American flag, an image that has become iconic, was based on "19th-century prison photographs of Indians dressed in surplus flags in lieu of their confiscated tribal regalia." In addition to the meaningful political messages of this art, Scholder's style, with its kinetic brushwork and vibrant colors, have truly set him apart. Various art historians have described Scholder's style as a fusion of Pop Art and Abstract Expressionism. Scholder, however, referred to himself an "American expressionist" who celebrated paint and what it can do. In his words, "Paint drips, it smears. It's not because I'm trying to fool anyone into thinking this is a three-dimensional object on a two-dimensional surface ..."

Provenance: ex-private Bishop Family Trust collection, the Trust of the late Bill Bishop, a noted antiquarian with shops in Scottsdale, Arizona and Allenspark, Colorado, USA, acquired before 2010

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#173003

Painting is hand signed in pencil at the bottom center and set in a custom wood frame with a white matte under glass. The artwork has not been examined outside the frame but appears to be in very nice condition with no signs of restoration. Fitted with suspension wire on verso and ready to display.