In the Presence of Betye Saar and Marilyn Nance [pO1Czoa7Ax2]
There are moments in life when you don’t fully realize you’re standing in the presence of history until years later. I had the beautiful pleasure of meeting the iconic Betye Saar while accompanying my big cousin, Marilyn Nance—a legendary photographer, visual storyteller, author, and Smithsonian-recognized artist whose work has preserved some of the most important moments in Black history through her lens. They both had exhibitions in the same gallery, and being able to witness that moment is something I’ll always treasure. 🫶🏾🌹 Betye Saar forever transformed American art by challenging stereotypes and creating powerful mixed-media works that explored memory, ancestry, spirituality, race, and liberation. Her art didn’t simply hang on walls—it changed conversations and inspired generations of artists to tell their stories without apology. Marilyn Nance has done the same in her own way. Through photography, writing, and decades of documenting Black life, culture, and history, she has created an archive that ensures our stories are seen, remembered, and valued. Her work reminds us that photographs are more than images—they are evidence that we were here, that we loved, created, struggled, celebrated, and built community. Rest well, Queen Betye Saar. May you continue your journey among the ancestors whose spirits have always lived within your work. One thing I’ve learned is that sometimes the kindest, most humble people you meet are the very people whose names become permanent chapters in history. You don’t always recognize the magnitude of a living legend while you’re standing beside them. Then one day, the world gathers their life’s work into museums, books, and retrospectives, and you realize you had the privilege of sharing space with greatness. May we celebrate our icons while they’re here, honor them when they’re gone, and never stop preserving the stories that shape our culture for generations to come. ❤️