African American Art

1 article

Betye Saar's re-imagined Aunt Jemima figurine, armed and defiant, symbolizing Black liberation and spiritual strength.

Betye Saar's assemblage art explored Black identity and spirituality

In 1972, artist Betye Saar armed a racist Aunt Jemima figurine with a rifle and a hand grenade, fundamentally transforming a symbol of subservience into an icon of Black liberation.

Elena Petrova·July 30, 2026