Roy Lichtenstein’s American Indian Theme V is the fifth screenprint in his American Indian series, created in 1980 with woodcut on handmade Suzuki paper. This series reflects Lichtenstein’s long standing fascination with Native American cultures, inspired by his time living near the Shinnecock Indian Reservation in Long Island. Observing the community's gentle behaviours and rituals, Lichtenstein sought to address and critique the clichéd portrayals of Native Americans in mass media.
American Indian Theme V is a complex composition that pays homage to various artistic influences, including Picasso, surrealism, and cubism. The print features a carved wooden figure adorned with bright yellow braided rope, set against a deep blue ocean. Other motifs include feathers that could be from a headdress, quilts, textiles, and stylized facial features such as darkly pigmented eyes, a downturned mouth, and an outlined nose.
By highlighting these stereotypical tribal motifs, Lichtenstein encourages viewers to question and reconsider their cultural perceptions of Native American communities.