Betye Saar’s art is a powerful reflection on the history of racism in the United States and the ongoing discrimination faced by black people in Western society. Her installations, objects and drawings encourage the viewer to contemplate and dream, while addressing dark themes related to black identity.
The artist’s assemblages are a form of quiet activism, drawing inspiration from her travels, ancestry, religion and mysticism. Her work is often autobiographical, but speaks in a universal language of the collective Black experience in the United States. From the history of slavery to current racism, Ms. Betye Saar‘s work tackles heavy subjects with the power of poetry.
One of the reasons Ms. Betye Saar‘s art is so compelling is her use of materials. She sources everyday objects from swap meets, flea markets and estate sales, and gives them new meaning in her installations. This interest in the concrete and the ethereal evokes the inseparability of art and life, and adds an extra layer of depth to her work.
Currently, visitors to the Kunstmuseum Lucerne can experience Betye Saar’s art in the exhibition “Serious Moonlight“. On view through June 18, 2023, the exhibition presents these poetic installations and invites visitors to engage with the complex themes explored in her work.
Betye Saar’s art is an important contribution to the ongoing conversation about racism and discrimination, both in the United States and elsewhere. Using her personal experiences and powerful poetic language, she invites viewers to contemplate and reflect on these important issues in a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant way.
“Serious Moonlight” is a must-see exhibition for anyone interested in contemporary art, social justice and the power of poetry to explore complex themes. Through her assemblages, drawings, and installations, Betye Saar creates a powerful and nuanced reflection on the black experience in the United States that is both deeply personal and universally relevant.