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Interview with Shane Hendren on fraudulent Indian artwork

Thursday, March 15, 2012

"Every so often, fashion gets interested in Native American prints and styles. Is there a way for the industry to do it right?

Everything's cyclical. It doesn't hurt us per se. The more awareness there is out there, the more opportunity there is for everyone. The problem I have initially with Urban Outfitters is the fact that there are hundreds if not thousands of Native American designers that are willing and ready to work with any company today. They just arbitrarily bypassed that opportunity.

There are so many Native American artists, it would make sense to work with us, wouldn't it? It's almost like if BF Goodrich said, Let's get into the dress business, and we're going to have our tire guys make dresses.

Why does this kind of thing matter?

There's always the economic aspect of it. All the reservations in New Mexico could be categorized as third-world countries within the United States. The Navajo Nation, we still have a huge population of people who have no running water, no electricity.

The production of art is still one of the primary means by which people sustain themselves and provide for their families. So there's that basic "putting food on the table" element that is related to art."

Get the Story:
Faux Navajo (The Weekly Alibi 3/15)