Charles The First By Jean-Michel Basquiat

With Postmodernism's broadening of who could be a valid and acknowledged artist, artists of color’s work became more visible, but not necessarily with the audience considering the artistic intent or their individualism. This is present in Jean-Michel Basquiat’s exploration of identity as an African American male anent post-colonialism in the painting Charles the First which references African American jazz saxophonist, Charlie Parker. The painting has much symbolism such the words “Thor”, referring to the “Norse god” like power in regards to Charlie Parker. This is in addition to the black hand outlined in chalk, which relates both of the black artists as well as their downfall with the different crowns (Funkenstein, “Appropriation”). This