Cultural Commentary

2 articles

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

The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool covered in algae with peeling paint, a symbol of recent renovation failure on the National Mall.

The Gallery

Jon Stewart Tackles Reflecting Pool Algae Infestation on National Mall

Sheets of blue paint flakes now peel from the floor of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, mingling with an unsightly algae infestation in 2026.

Elena Petrova·June 23, 2026