Basquiat Art History Classes at The October Gallery | Andromeda Cook
Every time I teach my Basquiat Art History class in Philadelphia, I’m reminded that people are hungry for more than just making art. They want to understand the stories behind the work, connect with history, and create in a space where everyone feels seen and welcome.
That’s exactly what we do in my Basquiat Art History classes at The October Gallery in Philadelphia’s Germantown neighborhood. It is an honor to teach there as a resident artist. The October Gallery has spent decades preserving, celebrating, and sharing African American art and culture with the community, making it the perfect place to learn about one of the most influential artists of our time.
Before anyone picks up a paintbrush, we spend time learning about Jean-Michel Basquiat’s life, the experiences that shaped him, and the recurring symbols in his work. We talk about identity, history, music, anatomy, race, language, and the lasting impact he continues to have on artists around the world. Once you understand the artist, you begin to see the artwork through a completely different lens.
One of my favorite moments is watching everything come together. People stop worrying about creating the “perfect” painting and start creating something that’s personal to them. Every canvas becomes a reflection of a different story, perspective, and life experience.
I also love looking around the room. Complete strangers are laughing together, asking questions, encouraging one another, and building connections through creativity. Those moments remind me why I became an art teacher long before I became a full-time professional artist. Teaching has always been one of the greatest joys of my life, and seeing a room full of people learning, creating, and inspiring one another never gets old.
If you’re curious about what one of these classes is like, take a look behind the scenes at one of my sold out Basquiat Art History classes at The October Gallery.
🎥 Watch here: https://youtube.com/shorts/8iy-HvOZ7ck?is=7Ix3spFXTbu1P5Ux
Although the project we create during class is exclusive to my curriculum, I also created a free Basquiat inspired activity that families, teachers, students, and aspiring artists can enjoy at home.
🎨 Download the free activity here:
Basquiat has been a tremendous source of inspiration throughout my own artistic journey. One of my paintings, Hollywood Dreams, was inspired by his iconic painting Hollywood Africans. Rather than recreate his work, I wanted to create something that reflected my own experiences and artistic voice while honoring the impact his work has had on me.
The original Hollywood Dreams is currently on display at The October Gallery. If you’re visiting the gallery, I hope you’ll take a few moments to see it in person. If you’d like to learn more about the piece or collect a print, you can explore both below.
Original Painting
https://andromedacookstudio.com/products/hollywood-dreams?_pos=2&_psq=hollywo&_ss=e&_v=1.0
Fine Art Prints
https://andromedacookstudio.com/products/hollywood-dreams-1?_pos=3&_psq=holly&_ss=e&_v=1.0
Whether you’ve admired Basquiat’s work for years or you’re just discovering him for the first time, I hope you’ll continue exploring the stories behind the art. Understanding an artist’s journey has a way of changing how we see their work, and sometimes it even changes how we see our own.
☕ Explore the “Not For Sale” Collector Mug:
https://andromedacookstudio.com/products/basquiat-not-for-sale-art-mug
Whether you’ve admired Basquiat’s work for years or you’re just discovering him for the first time, I hope you’ll continue exploring the stories behind the art. Understanding an artist’s journey has a way of changing how we see their work, and sometimes it even changes how we see our own.
I hope to see you at a future class at The October Gallery. Until then, keep learning, keep creating, and never underestimate the power of your own story.