Scratch Art inspired by Basquiat

Looking for engaging art projects that celebrate influential African American artists? This lesson inspired by Jean-Michel Basquiat is perfect for Black History Month or any time you want to introduce students to this trailblazing neo-expressionist artist. With its bold colors, dynamic designs, and powerful symbolism, this project will inspire creativity and critical thinking in your classroom. This lesson also makes a great art and science interdisciplinary project, with it's nod to human anatomy!

Jean-Michel Basquiat, a groundbreaking artist known for his graffiti-style drawings, brought attention to cultural and social issues through his work. His art combined movement, bold colors, striking symbols, and elements of human anatomy. I begin this lesson by sharing a Slideshow about Basquiat's life and art with my students. Then we create our own artwork that captures the spirit of Basquiat’s work.

Students begin the project by creating a thick colorful base layer on their paper using crayons or oil pastels. After laying down the color, students draw a large figure in silhouette using black crayon, oil pastel, or scratch art paint (you can make scratch art paint by mixing 1:1 parts black acrylic paint and dish soap!). Around the figure, they add graffiti-inspired designs, symbols, and even words, drawing inspiration from Basquiat’s unique style. 

One of the most exciting parts of this project is the scratch art technique. Using a wooden stylus or other pointed tool, students etch details into the figure. Basquiat often included human anatomy in his work, so students can add skeletal and organ imagery. 

The handout with Basquiat-inspired symbols and designs, as well as anatomical reference images, are included in my Basquiat Scratch Art Lesson, available in my TPT Store, All About Art. The resource also includes the comprehensive slideshow about Basquiat's work, a student instruction handout, artist reflection sheet and a Basquiat-themed word search for early finishers!

Celebrate the brilliance of Jean-Michel Basquiat and inspire your students to create art that’s as meaningful as it is beautiful. This project is a wonderful way to study and celebrate one of the most iconic artists of the 20th century!

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