Explore the Tar about the The Symbolism of Words of the Analysis in this artwork, Gem Spa (Basquiat).
Tar Basquiat is known to have expressed that he sometimes felt as black as tar.
In Basquiat's work the black substance represents the racism he experienced while growing up half Puerto Rican, half Haitian. At age 11, as part of the desegregation busing program, Basquiat is among the children transported from impoverished black neighborhoods to wealthier predominantly white school districts. Here he was in a clear minority and faced the racism of fellow students. Ostracized for his blackness, Basquiat was reacted by confronting his heritage and simultaneously developing a unique interest in exploring his roots.
In addition, tar symbolizes the depression that took his mother, Matilda, away from him.
It is also the name given to a specific form of heroin.
The radiant child of Untitled (Gem Spa) is surrounded by a black ground and the only bright color is within the figure The artist has freed the character from the deep black tar in order to become the radiant child as described by Ricard.
desegregation busing Haiti Gem Spa Puerto Rican school districts heroin