Self-Portraits in the Style of Basquiat

The children have been learning about artist Jean-Michel Basquiat in Art class to mark the beginning of Black History Month. The JK-Grade 3 students are all creating self-portraits inspired by his art. (The Grade 2/3’s work is pictured here.) Lessons began with a discussion about abstract art and how it represents feelings and emotions. Like Basquiat, they wrote words to describe themselves in their art. They also used symbols like Basquiat’s crowns. To Basquiat, the crown represented that we are all important in this world. Look for the unique symbols in the pieces here – they are clues to the personality and dreams of the artist. There are references to being a police officer, a doctor, a YouTuber, a lover of Lego, cats and math. We also talked about anatomy as Basquiat was known for incorporating images of the heart and skeletons into his work. Well done artists! Your self-portraits are beautiful and thoughtful.

Carrie Laureola
Art Teacher
Children’s Garden School