Poem by Maya Angelou • Paintings by Jean-Michel Basquiat

Tempera & Oil Pastel on Paper • 24″x18″ • Student Work

In 1993, the powerful words of African American poet, author and civil rights activist, Maya Angelou, were blended with the brave imagery of the late Multicultural American painter, Jean-Michel Basquiat, to create a stirring children’s book, titled Life Doesn’t Frighten Me. In 2012, a balding middle school art teacher blended that book with 8th grade art instruction to create a stirring blog post, titled Life Doesn’t Frighten Me.

Computer Embellished Drawing

I borrowed the center character from a former student’s doodle. I borrowed the drawing style from Jon Burgerman, Pablo Picasso, Keith Haring and the Ancient Mayans. I borrowed the palette and crown from a Jean-Michel Basquiat painting. I borrowed the title from Maurice Sendeck. Everything is due back in two weeks.