Betye Saar, assemblage artist who reframed racist and sexist imagery, has died, aged 99
Renowned Los Angeles-based assemblage artist Betye Saar has passed away at the age of 99. She was celebrated for her powerful work that addressed themes of African American heritage, spirituality, and the Black female experience.
Why it matters
Saar was a seminal figure in the art world whose work challenged systemic racism and sexism through iconic sculptural assemblages.
news Betye Saar, assemblage artist who reframed racist and sexist imagery, has died, aged 99 The legendary Los Angeles artist reframed charged images and objects, embraced printmaking and developed elaborate, transporting installations Helen Stoilas 29 July 2026 Share Betye Saar at her studio in Laurel Canyon, Los Angeles, 2026 Courtesy of the artist and Roberts Projects, Los Angeles. Photo: David Sprague
The trailblazing Los Angeles artist Betye Saar died on Sunday (26 July), aged 99, just days before her centenary. Best known for her sculptural assemblages that explored spirituality and mysticism, African American heritage and the Black female experience, Saar spent much of her career forging her own path, only to be embraced by the international art world later in life.
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