What's Happening?
Betye Saar, a renowned assemblage artist and a pivotal figure in the West Coast Black Arts movement, is being celebrated with a new exhibition titled 'Let's Get It On: The Wearable Art of Betye Saar' at Roberts Projects in Los Angeles. The exhibition,
which opens on May 30, 2026, honors Saar's 100th birthday and showcases over 200 objects, including costume designs, garments, jewelry, and photographs. These works highlight a lesser-known aspect of Saar's career, focusing on her contributions to costume design and wearable art from the 1950s to the 1970s. During this period, Saar was actively involved in designing costumes for the Inner City Cultural Center in Los Angeles while raising her three daughters. The exhibition aims to reframe these works as integral to Saar's artistic development, rather than mere side projects.
Why It's Important?
The exhibition not only celebrates Betye Saar's centennial but also sheds light on the multifaceted nature of her artistic contributions. By focusing on her wearable art and costume designs, the exhibition provides a deeper understanding of Saar's creative process and her influence on contemporary assemblage art. This recognition of her work in costume design underscores the importance of interdisciplinary approaches in art, highlighting how different forms of creativity can inform and enrich one another. The exhibition also serves as a reminder of the cultural and historical significance of the West Coast Black Arts movement, of which Saar is a central figure. It offers an opportunity for audiences to appreciate the breadth of Saar's artistic legacy and her impact on both the art world and cultural history.
What's Next?
The exhibition 'Let's Get It On: The Wearable Art of Betye Saar' will run from May 30 through August 22, 2026, at Roberts Projects in Los Angeles. As part of the centennial celebrations, other events and exhibitions are expected to take place, including 'Betye Saar's Black Dolls' at the New York Historical Society. These events will likely attract art enthusiasts, scholars, and the general public, providing further opportunities to engage with Saar's work and legacy. The exhibitions may also inspire renewed interest in the West Coast Black Arts movement and its contributions to American art and culture.
