Betye Saar, a pioneering Los Angeles artist renowned for her transformative assemblages that addressed the legacy of racism in the United States, died at the age of 99. Saar passed away peacefully in her sleep just days before her 100th birthday, according to her longtime gallerist, Julie Roberts of Roberts Projects. Her death was confirmed by her publicist, Hannah Gottlieb-Graham.

Saar’s innovative artwork repurposed a range of racially charged objects—including Sambo dolls, ceramic mammy figures, and offensive caricatures known as pickaninnies—turning them into powerful statements that confronted and critiqued stereotypes embedded in American culture. Through this process, she challenged viewers to reckon with the painful history of racial inequality and discrimination.

Her career, spanning several decades, made a profound impact on contemporary art and influenced numerous artists who followed. Saar’s work is widely recognized for its ability to blend personal narrative with broader social and political commentary, often combining symbols of African American heritage with found objects to create thought-provoking, layered compositions.

Julie Roberts described Saar as “one of the greatest artists of our time,” noting the privilege of collaborating with her for nearly two decades. Roberts added that Saar’s unique artistic vision significantly shaped contemporary art, and that her enduring legacy continues to motivate artists and scholars alike.

Throughout her life, Saar received numerous accolades acknowledging her contributions to art and culture, and her work has been exhibited in major museums and galleries across the United States and internationally. Beyond her artistic achievements, Saar also served as an important voice in discussions about race, identity, and representation within the art world.