Final answer:
The inclusion of Castro's face in Isabel's boat could symbolize the oppressive legacy of his regime on the Cuban people, akin to how other artists use symbolism to depict suffering and social issues in their works.
Step-by-step explanation:
The painting of Fidel Castro's face in the bottom of Isabel's boat might represent the historical burden of the Cuban dictator's regime, much like the symbolism found in other artworks that depict the heavy tolls of political and social strife. Art such as Basquiat's Slave Auction uses symbolic colors and imagery to communicate the painful history of slavery, while Picasso's Guernica vividly condemns the atrocities of war.
This practice is rooted in the artistic tradition where objects, figures, and backgrounds carry deeper meanings, like in Orozco's murals or the symbolic representations seen in casta paintings by artists like Andres de Isla. The face of Castro possibly serves as a reminder or comment on the suffering and oppression under his rule, leaving an indelible mark on the people and their culture, which they carry with them even when fleeing the country.