“Fragments” is an artwork created by Betye Saar in 1976, which embodies the medium of assemblage and collage and is part of the Postcolonial art movement. This mixed media piece incorporates various materials to present a visual narrative that may encompass personal or cultural identity, heritage, and memory, themes often explored in Saar’s work.
The artwork itself features a sepia-toned collage of disparate elements seemingly organized on a flat surface. The composition includes printed images, fabric, a feather, a lace doily, and what appears to be a cut-out of a bird figure. The printed images seem to have historical significance, possibly alluding to family or ancestral connections. An old photograph or print of flower embellishments sits towards the bottom right, alongside actual floral elements, emphasizing the blend of real and depicted objects. A dark, feathered quill and a decorative, star-patterned material occupy the top left corner, bringing in a contrast of textures. Each object within the piece bears its own fragmented history, yet together they coalesce into a new narrative, characteristic of Saar’s work that often addresses complex themes such as spirituality, gender, and ethnicity.
