“It’s not who you are that holds you back, it’s who you think you’re not.”

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Jean-Michel Basquiat

Jean-Michel Basquiat took the New York art scene by storm in the 1980s, when he became famous for his mixed-media works incorporating crowns, skulls and cryptic words. Basquiat’s art was influenced by a vast range of sources, from his personal experiences and cultural background to the worlds of graffiti, jazz, African art, and Western art history. He synthesized these influences into a unique and powerful visual language that resonated with themes of race, identity, and social commentary.

While Banksy and Basquiat have distinct styles and approaches, it’s clear that Banksy has been influenced by Basquiat in terms of their shared critique of societal systems, their use of public space, and their complex relationships with the art world. Both artists engage with themes of rebellion, social justice, and the commodification of art, using their work as a means of both expression and resistance. While Banksy’s methods are more directly tied to street art and political stunts, his core ethos of challenging authority and using art as a tool for activism aligns closely with Basquiat’s vision.

Learn about Jean-Michel Basquiat and create your own painting inspired by his work, using acrylic paint and oil pastels on canvas.

Tickets includes art history lesson, smocks to protect your clothing, and all art materials.

Basquiat in his studio:

Basquiat Studio Night at ArtsClub: