Learn about famous artist, Jean-Michel Basquiat and use your creativity to craft your own cardboard crown.
Jean-Michel Basquiat was born on December 22, 1960. He was a self taught artist at a young age and lived in New York with his mother, whose family was from Puerto Rico, and his father, who was born in Haiti. As he grew older and developed himself as an artist, he became quite popular for his unique, graffiti style of painting where he and a few other artists would paint messages walls and subway cars.
His work was very inspired by Black culture, including influences from African art, history, folklore, hip-hop, sports and just about everyday life as a Black person in New York City. His work was expressive, bold and often filled with symbols and motifs (or recurring subjects or ideas). Basquiat used lots of images of crowns in his colorful artwork and they represented many things like power and strength and as a way to show respect to people that influenced him. He also often used the crown to symbolize Black people, including himself, as saints or kings
This take-home craft kit will supply you with everything that you need to create your own cardboard, Basquiat inspired crown! Kits will be availble at both Robert Crown and Main Library Branches while supplies last - starting on Feb 1st!
For more info on Basquiat, check out this wonderful biography called Radiant Child: The Story of Young Artist Jean-Michel Basquiat here at the library. Interested in learning more about other Black artists? Check out this booklist!
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