Saar titled this work Tantric Tray in her related sketchbook drawing on view nearby, evoking the Tantric practice of eye gazing, a tool for opening oneself to a higher plane of consciousness. At the same time, the lozenges in the baking pan at center can be read as a dozen martinis with stuffed olives seen from above—a witty play on Saar’s
use of a cocktail tray for this assemblage.
Betye Saar
Eyes of the Beholder, 1994
Paint on metal and wood serving tray, with painted metal baking pan and metal ornaments
Courtesy of the artist and Roberts Projects, Los Angeles, California. © Betye Saar.
photo © Museum Associates/LACMA