This art piece caught my attention when i recently went to a local restaurant. I normally wasn't expecting this, but i felt a connection with it. It's like he sees something beyond the sea as if what he has known his entire life is somewhat challenged after experiencing what's in the now. And honestly, i feel that way sometimes too. I understand that the fish symbolizes Christianity. The boy symbolizes innocence. He is aware of the dangers that surround him while he's at sea. I was thinking that the skull head was his protector from the evils of life as well as the sea. The artist is very witty and creates an environment where the young boy is put in a risky situation. Furthermore, the fantasy he enters showcases the three freedom colors of our American flag as balloons. We can tell that the boy if from modern times because he has the earring in his ear and a gold watch on his wrist. I think that contradicts his image as innocent because he is more into the materialistic aspect of life. The boy also becomes the symbol for victims who are products of society's fears. A ghetto black young boy raised to be a thug. If that's not stereotypical then i can't say i know what is. This artist paints a vivid picture of how society looks at blacks. I think that he wanted us to be feared by him, to be suspicious of him, and to mistrust him.
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