Betye Saar: The 97-Year-Old Artist Who Turns Forgotten Objects into Powerful Art
Betye Saar, the renowned American assemblage artist, has spent her life collecting discarded and forgotten objects, turning them into powerful works of art that pay tribute to the Black diaspora. Born in 1926 during the Great Depression, Saar’s childhood was marked by salvaging small glass beads, broken necklaces, and colored paper from trash bins and the streets of Los Angeles.
Now 97 years old, Saar’s artistic practice spans over 60 years, drawing inspiration from her travels to countries like Nigeria, Senegal, Mexico, Haiti, and Brazil. She describes her process of selecting objects for her art as a sacred one, guided by what she calls “mother wit” – a deep intuition that tells her when a particular object is calling to be used.
One of Saar’s most recent works, “Drifting Toward Twilight,” is a large-scale installation featuring a vintage canoe adorned with antlers and other symbolic objects. The installation, currently on display at the Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens in Los Angeles, reflects Saar’s lifelong fascination with the power of old objects and their connection to previous owners.
Throughout her career, Saar has challenged stereotypes and pushed boundaries with her art. One of her most famous pieces, “The Liberation of Aunt Jemima,” reimagines the derogatory mammy figurine as a revolutionary hero armed with a rifle and hand grenade. Saar’s assemblages continue to blend disparate references and symbols, creating poignant tributes to Black power and resilience.
Despite facing prejudice and obstacles in the art world, Saar remains dedicated to her craft, describing her home as “an altar made up of mini-altars.” At 97, she continues to create art that resonates with audiences around the world, showcasing her unique ability to transform forgotten objects into profound works of art.
Saar’s legacy as an artist is a testament to her resilience, creativity, and unwavering commitment to her craft. As she reflects on her life and career, Saar’s words serve as a reminder of the power of art to transcend boundaries and tell stories that resonate across generations.
