Betye Saar

Betye Saar, 99, died on July 26, 2026. Betye Saar was known publicly as an American artist. Betye Irene Saar (née Brown; July 30, 1926 – July 26, 2026) was an American artist known for her work in the medium of assemblage. Saar was a visual storyteller and an accomplished printmaker. Saar was a part of the Black Arts Movement in the 1970s, which engaged myths and stereotypes about race and femininity. Her work is considered highly political, as she challenged negative ideas about African Americans throughout her career; Saar is best known for her artwork that critiques anti-Black racism in the United States. Public biographical listings identify Saar as an American artist. This public record remains centered on Saar's work as an American artist and the documented milestones of that career.