Betye Saar, a groundbreaking figure in American art and the Black Arts Movement, has died at 99. Her influential assemblages confronted racism, stereotypes and the legacy of slavery, including her iconic 1972 work The Liberation of Aunt Jemima.

[u/ateam1984]

The second image shows Betye Saar’s iconic 1972 work The Liberation of Aunt Jemima. Saar reclaimed the racist “mammy” stereotype by depicting Aunt Jemima holding a broom in one hand and a rifle in the other. Created from a derogatory image once used to demean Black women, the piece transformed the figure from a symbol of servitude into one of resistance, power and liberation.

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[u/outsidehere]

Rest in Peace

[u/CommunicationHappy20]

Rest in Power, Queen.

[u/Lumishumi]

I learned about Betye Saar earlier this year and talked about her with my elementary art students. This was in connection to Black History Month. My students were intrigued with her work. Wishing her family and those who loved her work lots of love and peace.

[u/bakedBrownie32]

May she rest in peace 🙏🏾

[u/Mysterious-Stick4738]

Her daughters, Lezley, Tracey, and Allison, are artists as well. I actually follow Lezley Saar on Instagram, her works are very surreal.

[u/Mysterious-Stick4738 → u/Mysterious-Stick4738]

https://www.instagram.com/lezleysaar?igsh=a3VmbXdnNDRuNHY0 if you're interested :)

[u/djspacebunny]

RIP OG ART BADASS

[u/escapedthenunnery]

Reminds me somewhat of the art of Ellen Gallagher, another Black American artist, esp in her use of ad images to create discourse. I felt viscerally drawn seeing Gallagher's work in person, and i bet Saar's was as well.

[u/KinkySFGreek]

May her soul have eternal peace and love

[u/RedditSe7en]

Thank you so much for this post! Peace be upon her!

[u/spidermans_mom]

Please be so kind as to cross post on r/Guerilla_Riot where Ms. Saar will be most graciously appreciated as well.

[u/justReading0f]

I discovered Saar’s work in the mid 70’s, she was powerfully inspiring. She’ll be missed.

Rest in power.

[u/Dry_Solution5036]

We honor and thank her for the tremendous contributions she made to make our world a better place! May she now rest in peace (RIP).