Dino Dreams:

Exploring Jean-Michel Basquiat’s Visual Poetry

Created by Natasha Khan Kazi

January 2026

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Students will use art to share their thoughts, feelings, and identity through words and symbols while exploring the bold expressive style and unique visual language of Neo-Expressionist Jean-Michel Basquiat.

OBJECTIVES

1. Students will learn about Basquiat’s contributions to art history and contemporary art.

2. Students will gain hands-on experience with layering, mixed media, and symbolism, building their technical and creative skills.

3. Students will learn to take creative risks and trust their artistic instincts.

4. Students will learn to use art to share their thoughts, feelings, and identity through words and symbols.

SUPPLIES (Per student)

● Mixed Media Paper (9×12, 98 lb)

● Acrylic Paint (3: blue, white, and black)

● Ballpoint pen (black or blue)

● Pencil

● Flat brush (1/2 , 1/4, or 1 inch)

● Medium flat or round brush (#2,#4,or #6)

● AAYF label

SUPPLIES (Shared)

● Oil Pastels (5: white, red, yellow, black, blue)

● Crayons (3: any shades of red, blue, yellow)

● Reference pages: Basquiat Symbols & Directed Drawing

ART VOCABULARY

Symbolism: The use of symbols to represent ideas or themes.

Mixed Media: Combining various materials and techniques in one artwork.

Layering: Building up textures, colors, or patterns in artwork.

Expressive Art: Art that conveys emotion or personal ideas.

Dry Brush Technique: A painting method using a small amount of paint on a dry brush to create texture and rough, scratchy strokes.

Color Tint: A lighter version of a color created by adding white to it.

Neo-Expressionism Art: A modern art movement characterized by bold colors, dramatic brushstrokes, and raw, expressive imagery, often conveying intense emotions or social messages.

Social Commentary Art: Art that critiques or raises awareness about societal issues, often addressing politics, culture, or injustice.

Acrylic Paint: A fast-drying, water-based paint that can be used in layers and mixed with different mediums to create various textures and finishes.

Oil Pastels vs. Crayons: Oil pastels have a soft, creamy texture that blends smoothly, while crayons are wax-based and create harder, more defined lines with less blending capability.