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This colorful and creative picture book biography introduces children to Jean-Michel Basquiat, urban artist in New York City during the 1970s-1980s. Javaka Steptoe introduces Basquiat as a child when he develops an appreciation for art and learns that art isn't only in books or museums but is all around him, "the street games of little children, in our style and the words that we speak. It is how the messy patchwork of the city creates new meaning for ordinary things." As Basquiat grows up, he c
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Caldecott nothwithstanding, the art style is not really to my taste. But then again, neither is Basquiat's. I found the lines of the wood interrupting the pictures in each spread to be distracting more than anything else. Nevertheless, this is an important biography, and I'm glad it's out there.
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I actually loved this book because of the art which is glorious, but I feel that the text probably soft-pedaled some aspects of Jean-Michel's life (which were explained in the Afterward). I feel that the text should give the full story and not rely on a later explanation.
But --- the joyousness of the art is something to behold! ...more
But --- the joyousness of the art is something to behold! ...more
Everyone should know about Jean-Michel Basquiat. Quite a life and this is just the "G" rated version! I realize that it's pretty much the entire point of the book (and the Caldecott Medal it won), but I missed seeing his original artwork.
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At first I didn't know if I would like this. Basquiat's art is so powerful, and his story so adult, that I didn't know if it would translate well. But it did, and the art of the book is as powerful in its own way as Basquiat's!
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