Radiant Child: The Story of Young Artist Jean-Michel Basquiat facts for kids
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| Author | Javaka Steptoe |
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| Publisher | Little, Brown and Company |
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Publication date
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October 25, 2016 |
| Pages | 40 |
| Awards | Caldecott Medal Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award |
| ISBN | 978-0-316-21388-2 |
| OCLC | 991475987 |
Radiant Child: The Story of Young Artist Jean-Michel Basquiat is a 2016 picture book biography by Javaka Steptoe about Jean-Michel Basquiat. Using a style similar to Basquiat's, the book tells the story of his childhood and early career. It won the 2017 Caldecott Medal and Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award for its illustrations.
Conception
Javaka Steptoe first thought of doing a book on Basquiat following a visit to see an exhibit on the artist at the Brooklyn Museum, whose trash Steptoe would use while illustrating the book. He was drawn to Basquiat by the "energy" of Basquiat's work and a feeling that many in the art world scorn his work and put it down as graffiti. Steptoe also felt a connection through New York and between the art of Basquiat and that of his parents, both of whom were artists. He particularly credits the way his father, Caldecott Honor and Corretta Scott King award winning artist John Steptoe, introduced him to the concept of considering diversity through the metaphor of windows, mirrors, and sliding glass doors. It took five or six years for Steptoe to write the book, which included incorporating new information about Basquiat became known.
Narrative
The story tells of Basquiat's connection to art and his journey towards becoming an artist. The book begins with Basquiat's childhood in Brooklyn where he notices art all around him and enjoys its creation. It tells of his connection to his mother who leaves the home due to mental illness. As a teen Basquiat moves to the Lower East Side and begins as a street artist before moving into galleries. By the end of the book he has become a successful professional artist.
Illustrations
The illustrations are meant to invoke Basquiat's artistic style with Steptoe's and were painted on found wood. This blending was made easier by the similarity of their styles and also allowed Steptoe to include several of Basquiat's motifs and what the book calls Basquiat's, "sloppy, ugly, and sometimes weird, but somehow still BEAUTIFUL" creations. The use of found materials "add rich texture and interesting imperfections to Steptoe’s illustrations."
Impact on Steptoe
The Caldecott win came as a surprise as he felt other books had seemed more likely winners. During his Corretta Scott King acceptance speech Steptoe reflected on the ways he had grown as an artist over his career and the inspirations and reasons he was able to be so successful in creating Radiant Child. Steptoe has remarked that these wins, in particular the Caldecott Medal, helped to ensure the black experience was seen and black voices would be heard and served as a platform for him to be heard. The author/illustrator has also seen the impact that his depiction of Basquiat's mother's mental illness has had on children.
