Jean Michel Basquiat Art Lesson for Students
Hollywood Africans Inspired Classroom Activity
Teacher Resource
This lesson may be printed and used for educational purposes in classrooms, art programs, and community learning spaces.
Estimated lesson time
45 to 60 minutes
Materials Needed
This activity uses simple classroom materials and encourages students to focus on creative expression, symbolism, and storytelling through art.
Drawing paper or construction paper
Markers, crayons, or colored pencils
Black marker for outlining
Pencil and eraser
Optional printed reference images from Hollywood Africans
Recommended age group
Upper elementary students
Middle school students
High school students
This classroom art activity inspired by Jean Michel Basquiat’s painting Hollywood Africans helps students explore identity, symbolism, and storytelling through expressive portraiture and repeated words.
Lesson created by Philadelphia artist and educator Andromeda Cook.
Words, Symbols, and Identity
How can words and symbols tell a story?
In this lesson, students explore the artwork of Jean Michel Basquiat, whose bold paintings combined portraits, text, and symbolic imagery to challenge stereotypes and express identity. By studying his painting Hollywood Africans, students will learn how artists use visual elements to communicate powerful ideas and create their own artwork inspired by those techniques.
Influential Visionary
Jean Michel Basquiat
Jean Michel Basquiat was a groundbreaking artist known for combining portraits, words, symbols, and expressive lines to tell powerful stories about identity, culture, and representation.
Basquiat first became known for writing poetic messages on buildings in New York City using the name SAMO. These statements appeared across the city and made people stop and think. Later he began creating paintings that brought those same ideas of words, symbols, and cultural commentary into the art world.
Artist Quote
“I cross out words so you will see them more.”
Jean Michel Basquiat
Basquiat often crossed out words in his paintings instead of erasing them. This technique encouraged viewers to slow down and think about the meaning behind the words and symbols in his work.
Theme
Identity
Storytelling
Symbolism in art
Art Focus
Portraiture
Repeated words
Symbols
Expressive drawing
Look Closely at the Painting
Jean Michel Basquiat filled Hollywood Africans with symbols, repeated words, numbers, and expressive drawings. These elements communicate ideas about identity, culture, and representation.
Jean Michel Basquiat
Hollywood Africans
1983
Basquiat combined portraits, symbols, and repeated words to explore identity, fame, and representation in American culture.
Notice how Basquiat repeats words, uses symbols, and draws expressive figures. These elements inspired the activity below.
Visual Guide
Study these visual elements from the painting before creating your own artwork.
Repeated Words
The phrase Hollywood Africans appears three times in the painting. One version is written normally. Another appears again in red. One version is crossed out.
Basquiat repeated words to emphasize ideas and encourage viewers to think about their meaning.
Circled Symbols
Stars appear inside a circle along with the words Seven Stars.
Stars can represent fame, recognition, achievement, or celebrity.
Students may draw stars or create their own symbols but should place them inside a circle.
Square With a Number
A black square appears with the number 200 YEN.
Numbers can represent value, identity, or personal meaning.
Students will include a square or box with a number that represents something meaningful to them.
Camera Symbol
A camera appears in the artwork and connects to ideas of Hollywood, fame, and visibility.
Students may draw a camera or another symbol connected to being seen such as a microphone, spotlight, or stage.
Three Figures
Basquiat painted three figures standing together.
Students will include three figures in their artwork and consider how those people connect to their story.
Look Even Closer
Basquiat did not try to make the figures look perfect or realistic.
The faces appear rough, expressive, and unfinished. The lines are bold and sometimes uneven.
Basquiat believed art did not have to be perfect to be powerful. The energy, emotion, and message behind the image were more important than making everything look realistic.
When creating your own artwork, focus on expressing your ideas instead of trying to make everything look perfect.
Teacher Prompt
Why might an artist choose an expressive style instead of trying to make everything look realistic?
Quick Class Discussion
Before beginning the artwork discuss the painting together.
What words or phrases stand out in the painting!
Why do you think Basquiat repeated the title?
What might the stars inside the circle represent?
Why might numbers appear in the painting?
How do the three figures change the meaning of the artwork?
Classroom Art Project
Create Your Own Hollywood Africans Inspired Artwork
Students will create an expressive artwork using five elements inspired by Basquiat.
Three figures
Choose three people who belong in your story.
Repeated words
Write a word or phrase three times.
Circled symbols
Draw stars or create your own symbols inside a circle.
Square with a number
Draw a square or box and place a number inside.
Camera or symbol of visibility
Draw a camera or another symbol connected to being seen.
Optional Challenge
Basquiat often crossed out words in his artwork. Instead of erasing them he left them visible.
Students may include one crossed out word that represents an idea or label they want viewers to question.
Artist Inspiration
Jean Michel Basquiat’s use of words, symbols, and expressive imagery continues to inspire artists today.
Inspired by the energy of Hollywood Africans, I created a painting titled Hollywood Dreams.
The original painting and prints can be purchased through AndromedaCookStudio.com and the original painting is also on display and for sale at the October Art Gallery in Philadelphia.
Another painting connected to this theme is Destined Paths, created in honor of Kyrie Irving. The original painting is on display at the October Art Gallery.
Student Reflection
Who are the three people in your artwork and why did you choose them?
What word or phrase did you repeat and what does it represent?
What symbols did you include and what do they mean?
What number did you choose and why?
How does your artwork communicate something about identity or personal experience?
Teacher Tip
This activity encourages students to observe artwork closely and think about how artists communicate meaning through symbols, words, and imagery.
Students practice observation, creativity, storytelling, and personal expression through art.
Final Thoughts
Jean Michel Basquiat showed the world that art can be bold, expressive, and deeply meaningful. Through portraits, symbols, and repeated words he challenged stereotypes and encouraged viewers to think differently about identity and representation.
This lesson is part of the Influential Visionaries series which highlights artists whose creativity continues to inspire new generations.
Printable Worksheet Version
Download the printable classroom worksheet here.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1BHMy40Y_ovE1REEH-fLDMihc7H172Wn0/edit?usp=drivesdk&ouid=107394624466969530832&rtpof=true&sd=true
Teachers may print and distribute this worksheet for classroom use.
Share This Lesson
Teachers and educators are welcome to share this Basquiat inspired art lesson with students and fellow educators.
Pinterest Title
Jean Michel Basquiat Art Lesson for Students Inspired by Hollywood Africans
Pinterest Description
A creative classroom art activity inspired by Jean Michel Basquiat’s painting Hollywood Africans. Students explore symbolism, repeated words, expressive portraits, and visual storytelling while creating their own Basquiat inspired artwork.