Fritz William Scholder (American - Mission/Luiseno, 1937-2005), ca. late 20th century CE. An awesome nickel-silver enamel bolo tie designed for Artwear Concepts in Los Angeles, set on a rubber cord with nickel-silver tips. Marked on the verso: "SCHOLDER / ARTWEAR CONCEPTS / LOS ANGELES." Scholder is known for his bold colors and loose style, drawing upon his Native American heritage for inspiration. The skull verso contains 2 loops that can adjust the length, and if one desired, the black cord could easily be switched for a different style. Size (skull): 2.3" L x 1.75" W (5.8 cm x 4.4 cm); (cord doubled): 35" L (88.9 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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#173618

Light surface wear to enamel with areas of staining. Intact and good condition. Wearable!