ActivitySheet

21 Sep 2017—28 Jan 2018

BasquiatBoom for Real

InspirationBasquiat was inspired by so many things such as well-known books, jazz, TV and films. Name some of the things that inspire you. Watch Basquiat drawing in front of the television. Would you like to work like this? Perhaps you already do!

There’s an artwork inspired by Alice in Wonderland, can you find it? Which famous characters can you spot?

Well done for completing the Basquiat: Boom for Real activity sheet. When you get home why not create your own collage using your favourite parts from this sheet. Cut, copy and paste and in true Basquiat style you could even include materials you find around the house. You can share your creation using the hashtag #BoomForReal

Together, we can inspire people of all ages to discover and love the arts. Donate today and share what you love about the Barbican with a new generation. Text “BARB99” £2 to 70070

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If you would like to discover more about the Barbican why not go exploring in our do-it-yourself adventure trail for families. Pick up a free trail kit for The Big Barbican Adventure from our information desk (Mezzanine Level).

Design and illustration by Alec Doherty

All artworks:© The Estate of Jean-Michel Basquiat. Licensed by Artestar, New York

50Cents

$1 - 3

$5

Man MadeBasquiat was very enterprising. He made t-shirts and postcards and would sell these outside the Museum of Modern Art. How much do you think he sold them for?

If you were going to sell something what would you make?

Basquiat included all sorts into his art. Can you spot the game of noughts and crosses in one of the postcards? What paper based games do you like to play? Doodle it here.

Are there any words or images from this section you would like to collect? Remember Basquiat took inspiration from everywhere. Scribble them down.

Welcome to Basquiat: Boom for Real, an exhibition showcasing the work of American artist Jean-Michel Basquiat. Discover the different ways Basquiat expressed himself, from drawing and painting to music and film. Basquiat liked to break with traditions, drawing on any materials he could find and absorbing everything around him. Follow the activities but don’t stick to the rules. Scribble, draw and write outside of the lines, just like Basquiat would have!

MaterialsBasquiat was anything but conventional. His work was impulsive and he doodled with feverish energy. Circle the materials you think Basquiat used.

Basquiat made collages with materials he would find, like sweet wrappers, barcodes and discarded packages. Have a look at Basquiat’s anti-baseball cards. Can you spot his favourite sweet?

Oil Stick

Crayon

Enamel

Tape

Spra

y Pa

int

Penc

il

Felt TipAcrylic

Find the wall that Basquiat graffitied on, what does it say?

Basquiat would write about things that were important to him. Imagine you are going to write a message that everyone could see, what would you write?

Don’t forget to sign it! Basquiat tagged his graffiti with the name SAMO©. What would your tag be?

Artist Friends

Symbols Notebook

Self-Portrait

Fun Fact: After they first met

Basquiat went home and within

two hours was back with a fresh

new painting, still dripping wet.

Warhol was very impressed!

You can see who else Basquiat hung out with in the collection of Polaroids. Before smart phones this was the quickest way to capture a moment.

Imagine you are holding a Polaroid camera - it’s heavy so be careful! Who would you take a photo of? Ask them to pose for you. Transport back to the 80’s and recreate your favourite poses from these photos.

What words do you associate with this symbol?

Why do you think he drew them so much?

Find the work titled ‘Tuxedo’. Draw or make a list of the symbols and images you see.

Find the drawing of Andy Warhol holding a camera. What does this tell us about him?

Draw a picture of someone you know. What are they holding? What does this tell us about them?

Basquiat was friends with pop artist Andy Warhol.

Crowns pop up in a lot of Basquiat’s work. How many can you find?

Basquiat painted a number of self-portraits. Find these two images.

They are both of Basquiat but they look very different. Why do you think he chose to paint himself in these different ways? Which do you prefer?

Have a go at drawing your own self-portrait. How does it show people who you are?

Basquiat loved writing in his notebooks. He would make lists and

jot down observations from everyday life. How do his notebooks

compare to your own? Some say they are more like pieces of

poetry. What do you think?

Take a closer look and pick out some of your favourite lines. Write them below and remix them into your own Basquiat inspired poem.