Curtis Tann and Betye Saar:
A Legacy of Art, Innovation, and Friendship
Curtis Tann and Betye Saar are two towering figures in the world of African American art, each leaving an indelible mark through their distinct crafts and shared journey. Their story intertwines creativity, resilience, and profound influence, shaping not only their lives but also the broader cultural landscape of the mid-20th century and beyond.
Curtis Tann:
(1915–1991)
Master of Enameling and Jewelry Design
He was a pioneering enamel artist whose work showcased his mastery in turning ordinary materials into exquisite art. Born in Ohio, Tann’s early artistic inclinations were nurtured at the Karamu House, a black-owned cultural hub and art school in Cleveland. There, he developed a deep appreciation for craftsmanship and honed his skills in enamel arts—a medium that became his signature.
In the 1940s, Tann relocated to Pasadena, California, where his artistic vision blossomed further. Immersed in the burgeoning Los Angeles art scene, he built a reputation for his vibrant enamel-on-copper creations, ranging from functional objects like ashtrays and bowls to stunning pieces of jewelry. Tann’s works radiated creativity and reflected the cultural richness of African American art.
Tann’s career took a significant turn when he began designing enamel jewelry for Renoir/Matisse, a prominent jewelry company celebrated for its bold copper designs. His contributions not only elevated the brand but also brought widespread recognition to enamel art as a sophisticated and versatile medium.
Beyond his artistic achievements, Tann was a mentor and collaborator. His guidance and connections profoundly impacted emerging artists, including Betye Saar, with whom he formed a lifelong bond.
Betye Saar
( 1926)
Visionary Conceptual Artist
She is regarded as one of the most influential African American conceptual artists of her time. Known for her powerful assemblages that explore themes of race, spirituality, and identity, Saar’s illustrious career began in an unexpected place: jewelry making.
Saar, originally trained as a social worker, discovered her artistic calling in the late 1940s when she met Curtis Tann. Their friendship proved transformative, as Tann introduced her to enamel arts and the vibrant Los Angeles art community. Saar quickly developed a passion for the medium, co-founding the company Brown & Tann with Tann in the early 1950s.
Brown & Tann specialized in enamel-on-copper creations, producing a variety of items, including ashtrays, bowls, and jewelry. Their works gained acclaim, even earning a feature in Ebony Magazine, a significant achievement for African American artists at the time. The company was celebrated for its ingenuity and craftsmanship, contributing to the growing recognition of Black artists in the decorative arts.
While Saar eventually transitioned into other mediums, including printmaking and her iconic assemblage art, her early experiences with jewelry and enameling left an indelible mark on her practice. Saar revisited jewelry design periodically, notably through her Mojo series in the 1970s, which drew on themes of mysticism and cultural heritage.
The Bond Between Tann and Saar
The partnership and friendship between Curtis Tann and Betye Saar were foundational to both artists’ careers. Tann not only introduced Saar to enameling but also connected her with key figures in the Los Angeles art scene, including luminaries like Charles White and William Pajaud. Together, Tann and Saar forged a path for African American artists, demonstrating the power of collaboration and mutual support in an era marked by systemic racial barriers.
Even as their professional paths diverged, with Tann continuing his enamel work and Saar expanding into conceptual art, their friendship endured. They remained in contact until Tann’s death in 1991, a testament to the deep respect and affection they held for one another.
Legacy and Impact
Curtis Tann’s Legacy
- Tann is remembered as a trailblazer in enamel arts, elevating the medium to new artistic heights.
- His contributions to jewelry design, particularly his work with Renoir/Matisse, brought recognition to African American craftsmanship in a predominantly white industry.
- As a mentor, he played a pivotal role in shaping the careers of emerging artists, ensuring his influence extended beyond his own creations.
Betye Saar’s Legacy
- Saar’s groundbreaking assemblages, such as The Liberation of Aunt Jemima, have cemented her status as a leading figure in conceptual art.
- Her works challenge stereotypes, explore cultural narratives, and inspire conversations about identity and social justice.
- Saar has received numerous accolades, including the Skowhegan Medal for Sculpture and induction into the National Academy of Design.
Collaborative Impact
- The work of Brown & Tann not only showcased the versatility of enamel arts but also served as an early example of African American entrepreneurial and artistic excellence.
- Their feature in Ebony Magazine was a milestone, highlighting the creative achievements of Black artists to a national audience.
Awards and Honors
Curtis Tann
- Recognition for his contributions to Renoir/Matisse designs.
- Celebrated posthumously in retrospectives focused on mid-century African American art.
Betye Saar
- 1984: National Endowment for the Arts Fellowship.
- 1994: The Women’s Caucus for Art Lifetime Achievement Award.
- 2019: Getty Medal for contributions to the arts.
- 2021: Inducted into the National Academy of Design.
Conclusion
Betye Saar earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) in 1949. She pursued graduate studies at California State University, Long Beach, the University of Southern California, and California State University, Northridge. Over her illustrious career, Saar has been recognized with several honorary doctorate degrees from prestigious institutions, including the California College of Arts and Crafts, California Institute of the Arts, Massachusetts College of Art, Otis College of Art and Design, and the San Francisco Art Institute.
Saar’s influential works are part of the permanent collections of more than 60 renowned museums worldwide. These include the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York, The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden of the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C., the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York, the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) in Los Angeles, and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA).
Her groundbreaking art has been featured in numerous landmark exhibitions. Notably, she participated in eight Pacific Standard Time exhibitions, including the highly acclaimed Now Dig This! Art and Black Los Angeles 1960-1980 at the Hammer Museum in Los Angeles. Saar’s works have also been showcased in prominent exhibitions such as Take an Object at MoMA and notable 2016 shows at the Tate Modern in London and the Brooklyn Museum in New York, solidifying her status as one of the most influential artists of her generation.
Curtis Tann and Betye Saar’s stories are ones of innovation, resilience, and mutual inspiration. Through their individual talents and collaborative ventures, they broke barriers, redefined artistic practices, and left legacies that continue to inspire future generations. Their impact extends beyond their chosen mediums, serving as powerful reminders of the enduring contributions of African American artists to the global cultural landscape.