Final answer:
Jean-Michel Basquiat expresses his opinion of black Haitians by using symbolism, contrasting colors, and motifs, like the three-peaked crown, symbolizing dignity and resilience against adversity.
Step-by-step explanation:
The artist Jean-Michel Basquiat reveals his opinion of black Haitians by using visual symbolism and powerful contrasts in his paintings. In works such as Boxer, he utilizes the motif of a crown to salute the resilience of black male figures like poets, musicians, and athletes. This crown often had three peaks, representing the poise and dignity of these roles against adversity.
Basquiat's use of color powerfully delineates the struggle and triumph of his subjects, as seen in the dark and light contrasts of Boxer and the blue ocean symbolizing the transatlantic slave trade in Slave Auction. The latter also addresses the dehumanizing aspect of slavery, emphasizing imprisonment and commodification.
The diversity of the heads depicted on brown paper in Slave Auction can be interpreted as a representation of both adults and children who suffered under slavery, with the central figure dressed in black and white reinforcing the theme of captivity and commodification. Basquiat's artistic language confronts the viewer with the harsh realities and historical struggles faced by African descent individuals, promoting a reflection on the systemic racism embedded in American history.
Other artists like Frank Stella and Aaron Douglas, also explored themes related to African American experiences and struggles, though with different stylistic approaches, contributing to the discourse on race and identity within the art world.