Tuesday, May 8, 2012

Bookworm Artist--Betye Saar-- WCAGA READING CLUB


Betye Saar is the topic of WCAGA Reading club’s meeting on May 20. I have to admit that she was my choice. I have always been fascinated by people that can take assemblage and collage up to an art form. It was not so long ago that a man at an artist talk in one of Atlanta’s well-known Galleries, angrily accused women of always reverting to craft. I was surprised by this since I did not realize that this could still be an issue. He said that more female than male artists do their shopping at places like Michaels and Hobby Lobby. 


Looking at Betye Saar can be freeing since she broke the line between so-called high and low art and helped to redefine Art. This is of course my subjective opinion.

My search for books on Amazon lead to the following books. 

The new book price is a little on the expensive side at $60 but a used copy can be bought for as low as $10. This book can give you a you a comprehensive overview of her work as well as that of Feminism, contemporary art and California culture and politics.


will be available on May 11 2012 for $24. This also gives a comprehensive look at Betya Saar’s career.

Family Legacies: The Art of Betye, Lezley, and Alison Saar is available at $25, This book gives information on Betye Saar and her daughters. It explores how these three artists interpret, identity, sexuality, spirituality and other stereo types associated with the female in their art work. This book seems like a must have to me. 

is available for $160 new, but is available used for $25. Lucy Lippard is one of the Contributors to this book. 

For more information on Betye Saar links online have a look at the May 2012 Newsletter or the WCAGA Blog Calendar Page. Information on time and place for the May Meeting is also available in this Newsletter. 

I hope to see you at the Reading Club Meeting.

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