Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is a graphite work on paper by Betye Saar. It dates from 1972 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
Overview
Betye Saar's 1972 collage, Untitled, is a mixed-media work that combines various techniques and materials to create a textured, layered composition.
Subject & Meaning
The artwork depicts a doll-like figure with a dark, featureless face, adorned with a patterned dress and headscarf, set against a light background with stars and eyes. This imagery engages with themes of race and femininity, reflecting Saar's exploration of myths and stereotypes.
Technique & Style
Saar employed a range of media, including marker, pencil, stamped ink, and solvent transfer, on torn and painted paper to achieve a complex, layered effect. The combination of techniques adds depth and visual interest to the piece, characteristic of her assemblage and printmaking practice.
Context
Created in 1972, Untitled reflects Saar's involvement with the Black Arts Movement, addressing anti-Black racism in the United States through politically charged visual storytelling.
Artist & collection
Artist
Betye Irene Saar (born July 30, 1926) is an American artist known for her work in the medium of assemblage.
