Fighting fake Native art while breaking barriers

February 1, 2025
by RJ Hamster

Read in browser

Your Week with AZCentral

A SPOTLIGHT ON THE JOURNALISM YOUR SUBSCRIPTION HELPS BRING TO LIFE.

Fri Jan 31 2025

Kara Edgerson | Manager of Digital Operations

Hey readers,

This week, we’re diving into a fascinating series by The Arizona Republic’s reporter, Debra Utacia Krol, who spent months exploring the world of Native art and the artists behind it. Her work takes us on a journey through history, creativity and resilience, showcasing how Indigenous artists honor their traditions while pushing boundaries in contemporary art.

From uncovering the secrets of spotting counterfeit Native art to introducing us to the bold “art rebels” challenging conventions, Deb’s stories are as vibrant and compelling as the art itself.

I caught up with her to learn more about what inspired this series, the challenges Native artists face, and what’s next for the future of Indigenous art.

Here’s what she had to say:

About the series: How a life of learning about Native art led to the stories of emerging Native artists

Masters: Indigenous art masters inspired to rebel against gatekeepers

What the future holds: Native artists must excel in more than their art

The inspiration behind the series

Your series explores the rich tapestry of Native art, from traditional works to groundbreaking modern creations. What initially inspired you to dive into this project? Was there a moment or conversation with an artist that sparked your passion for telling these stories?

I’ve always been interested in art. But my interest was really sparked when I started covering Native arts in the early 2000s and it’s been an interest of mine ever since. Some of the artists I cover have become lifelong friends and I’ve always wanted to delve into how the Native art world became so popular and why it’s dominated by non-Native businesses.

Contemporary art: Contemporary Native artists are telling stories modern and traditional

Balancing tradition and innovation

Many of the artists you featured skillfully blend heritage with modern techniques. How do these creators honor their cultural roots while pushing the boundaries of what Native art can be? Is there a piece or artist that particularly stood out to you as emblematic of this balance?

Let’s take artists like Pat Pruitt and Marlowe Katoney. Pruitt uses ancient Laguna Pueblo motifs in his ultramodern jewelry and metal sculptures, while Katoney weaves contemporary imagery using timeless Navajo weaving techniques. Both honor their tribal cultures but in different ways.

Origins: Traders and collectors long defined Native art. Young artists want to reclaim their vision

Challenges and triumphs of ‘art rebels’

In your article about Native artists breaking the mold, you highlighted figures like Pat Pruitt, who challenge expectations with bold, unconventional approaches. What are the biggest hurdles these “art rebels” face, and how are they carving out space for their vision in both Native and broader art communities?

Some of the biggest hurdles these artists face is the resistance by collectors and business owners to new ways of creating art that’s rooted in ancient cultures. Early on, art shows rejected contemporary works by Native artists, who then protested against what they saw as discrimination and attempts to force them to keep making “Indian” art. But as artists like Oscar Howe, Jaune Quick-to-See Smith, Fritz Scholder and Charles Loloma continued challenging those notions and created work that reflected their artistic vision, people started realizing their talent and ability to break the mold. And then of course, Jeremy Frey set the “box” on fire with his artistic basketry.

Rebels: Native artists are breaking boundaries beyond ‘Indian’ art labels, making their own paths

Combating counterfeit art

Your reporting shed light on the issue of counterfeit Native art, which undermines both the economic and cultural value of authentic works. What did you discover about the efforts to protect Native artists and educate buyers? How do these challenges shape the future of Native art in an increasingly global market?

There are many dedicated people working to combat the tsunami of counterfeit art that floods American storefronts and even art venues. However, those people and the policies developed to protect Native art and artists from fake works are woefully insufficient to halt more than a trickle. Native artists must do more to legally protect their works by trademarking or copyrighting their work, and the federal government must devote more resources and personnel – and change some policies to close loopholes in how counterfeit work is marketed – in order to better address the issue.

Real − and fake: What’s real and what’s fake? In the Native art world, the question is hard to answer

What does the future of Native art look like?

Native art has a rich history but young artists want to expand its roots and move things in different directions. What is the future of Native art?

READ MORE

Sign up for the news you want

Exclusive newsletters are part of your subscription, don’t miss out! We’re always working to add benefits for subscribers like you.

SEE ALL NEWSLETTERS ➔

Newsletters | eNewspaper | Crosswords

Problem viewing email? View in browser

Unsubscribe • Manage Newsletters • Terms of Service • Privacy Policy/Your California Privacy Rights • Privacy Notice • Do Not Sell My Info/Cookie Policy • Feedback

Tariffs on Mexico, Canada, China Begin Saturday |

The Secret History of Chinese Chopsticks |

35-Minute Full Body Dumbbell Workout |

Giraffe the Builder

Trump Pounds the Fed for Promoting Inflation, DEI, Green Energy

RJ Hamster

Cookie	Duration	Description
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics	11 months	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional	11 months	The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary	11 months	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others	11 months	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance	11 months	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy	11 months	The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.

Fighting fake Native art while breaking barriers

Fighting fake Native art while breaking barriers

Your Week with AZCentral

Kara Edgerson | Manager of Digital Operations

The inspiration behind the series

Balancing tradition and innovation

Challenges and triumphs of ‘art rebels’

Combating counterfeit art

What does the future of Native art look like?

Migrants attend rights trainings as deportations ramp up

Trump’s victory in Arizona was aided by unlikely group

ASU group hosts a sickening ‘snitch on classmates’ event

School board president to resume reciting Bible verses

Historical photos of the Queen Creek area

Sign up for the news you want

Like this:

What can we do to improve this website?

Fighting fake Native art while breaking barriers

Fighting fake Native art while breaking barriers

Your Week with AZCentral

Kara Edgerson | Manager of Digital Operations

The inspiration behind the series

Balancing tradition and innovation

Challenges and triumphs of ‘art rebels’

Combating counterfeit art

What does the future of Native art look like?

Migrants attend rights trainings as deportations ramp up

Trump’s victory in Arizona was aided by unlikely group

ASU group hosts a sickening ‘snitch on classmates’ event

School board president to resume reciting Bible verses

Historical photos of the Queen Creek area

Sign up for the news you want

Share this:

Like this:

Related articles