In the context of Gem Spa (Basquiat), explore the The Use of Black of the Analysis.
Basquiat's work is often praised for its vibrant color, however the use of black is of equal importance. "Those granted a visit to his studio in 1984 did not recognize the painting they had admired two days earlier: the complex and elaborate imagery was now drowned in darkness. 'I scratch out and erase, but never so much that they don't know what was there before. This is my version of repentance', said Basquiat.'"
In an interview with Howard Stern, Madonna recalled, "When I broke up with him he made me give [the paintings he gave me] back to him. And then he painted over them black." "He paints on canvas like he graffitis the walls: by covering the surface…again and again. An earlier work also appears as a watermark on this canvas, revealing the imprint of sacrificed words”, as remarked by Alain Truong while observing Untitled (Gem Spa).
Madonna Gem Spa Howard Stern watermark