Betye Saar, Pioneering Assemblage Artist, Dies at 99
Betye Saar, the visionary artist who transformed racist ephemera into powerful assemblages, died at 99 in Los Angeles on July 26. Her death was confirmed by Roberts Projects, her representing gallery. Saar's work, spanning over six decades, delved into the American archive, recontextualizing degrading images of Blackness into mystical, moving, and revolutionary art. She is celebrated for opening portals between worlds, blending spirituality, history, and social critique. Her legacy endures through her influence on generations of artists and her iconic works like "The Liberation of Aunt Jemima."
Key facts
- Betye Saar died at 99 in Los Angeles on July 26.
- Her death was confirmed by Roberts Projects.
- Saar was known for transforming racist Americana into assemblages.
- Her work is described as mystical, moving, and revolutionary.
- She opened portals between worlds through her art.
- Her career spanned over six decades.
- She is famous for 'The Liberation of Aunt Jemima.'
- Saar influenced generations of artists.
Entities
Artists
- Betye Saar
Institutions
- Roberts Projects
- The New York Times
- Los Angeles Times
- New-York Historical Society
- Huntington Library
Locations
- Los Angeles
- United States