Written by Ingrid Gendler
PAL kids at our P.S. 47 Center got crafty, drawing inspiration from the legendary artist Jean Michel Basquiat. Based on his signature crown motif, PAL kids designed their own iconic crowns. In this blog post we will share a bit more about how this renowned artist inspires our kids, and about how you can get inspired too.
Jean Michel Basquiat grew up in New York City and his art was inspired the world he saw around him. Throughout his short but prolific career, Basquiat produced hundreds of drawings and paintings, many of which feature the iconic three-pointed crown. The artist often drew the crown over those he painted who he considered his heroes. For example, Basquiat often referenced his hero famous jazz musician Charlie Parker, who inspired some of his work. Basquiat also incorporated references to the medical textbook Gray’s Anatomy, uniquely blending science and art.
PAL’s students can learn a lot from an artist as inspiring as Jean Michel Basquiat. From his dedication to his art, to his unique perspective, Basquiat was never afraid to go his own way and carve out a unique path to success. His art was empowering and thoughtful. It reflected his heritage, his interests, and was completely unique.
By learning about the life and the art of such an inspiring and iconic artist, PAL youth are empowered to be creative and bold in how they express themselves. They learn about how art can intersect with their own interests and serve as a positive outlet for self-expression. Just like the work of Basquiat, each crown is unique to each of our kids, showing off their creativity and inspiring them to keep being creative.
We invite you to give it a try and draw yourself a crown that is just as unique as you!
