“Keep for Old Memiors” is an artwork created by artist Betye Saar in 1976. Saar is known for her contributions to the Feminist Art and Postcolonial Art movements, and she often uses mediums such as assemblage and collage. This particular piece is a prime example of her work, combining various materials and imagery to convey complex themes related to memory, identity, and history.
In this artwork, we see a collection of elements arranged within what appears to be an ornate frame. At the center is a fabric base that has a nostalgic texture, hinting at the theme of memory. Two gloved hands seem to border the piece at the left and right sides, as if presenting or holding the central collage elements. Within the collage, we observe faded images of flowers, a handwritten letter, a bird in flight depicted in a smaller frame, and at least two figures that could be interpreted as photographic representations or illustrations of individuals. The color palette is subdued, emphasizing the feeling of looking back into the past. The layering of textures and materials suggests depth and the complex nature of revisiting and reinterpreting one’s memories. The items chosen for inclusion have a personal and possibly historical significance, alluding to the ways personal and collective histories may be intertwined.
