The answer to this question can be found in lines 28-34. This is an "EXCEPT" question in which we need to get rid of every answer choice that describes a way that human figures were illustrated or a purpose they served in Bearden's paintings, and select the answer choice that describes something not mentioned in lines 29-40 in connection with the humans figures employed in Bearden's paintings.
(A) ". . . instances of individual human suffering." Line 29
(B) ". . . managed to express the complex social reality lying beyond the borders of canvas . . ." Lines 31-33
(C) " . . . without compromising their integrity as elements in an artistic composition." Lines 33-34
(D) This is not mentioned in connection with Bearden's use of human figures. Instead this is mentioned in lines 34 - 40 in connection with Bearden's use of "muted colors". This is our answer.
(E) "His human figures, placed in abstract yet mysteriously familiar urban settings . . ." Lines 29-31