top of page

‘The Radiant Child’

Writer's picture: IsabellIsabell

Updated: Oct 21, 2024






I have one more (possible) book in development. After this, I’ve decided I won’t write another one. After 20+ years of writing, I don’t think I have it in me to write more fiction, or even nonfiction. I’m tired of writing now. 


I’ve turned my attention to the visual arts. I watched a documentary on Jean-Michel Basquiat this past weekend. I fell in love with his persona and work. Basquiat was almost shy in interviews, yet thoughtful, a keen observer. He was only 20 years old when his startling impact on the New York art world began, yet Basquiat was strikingly self-possessed. Ironic and even funny when journalists either naively or intentionally demeaned him, he never lost his cool. The documentary, ‘The Radiant Child’ was a remarkable portrait of a brave young man who defied convention early in life to fulfill an incredible destiny. I created the collage featured below, after watching the documentary. I’ve entitled the collage “Jean-Michel B.” The yellow back drop with the hand-written words “Africans Nineteen Forties”, partially obscured, which I have placed the block text 1940s over, is a snapshot taken from one of Basquiat’s paintings. The black and white African mask centrepiece is also from J.M.B., shot from the screen of the documentary.


I took these images on my iPhone, and then layered them into the collage. The heart shaped aluminium rings on the fist of an aged woman’s hand are from the fashion jewellery line of Vesto Pazzo. The fashion drawing of the African woman in the Prada hat is by the fashion illustrator, Ksenia Geller. The graffiti “KONFLICT IS ALL AROUND YOU!!! - K!” was taken from the LG Izz video, “Dirty”, featuring YP Da Pharoah and Nahdi Newsense. The black boots and hands with jewellery were taken from an advertisement for the Italian fashion brand, Neiromai. The upside down sandalled feet that display a green shoulder bag is from the handbag line, Vogelle. This piece was sheer experiment. I hope Brother Basquiat approves. Thank you, Jean-Michel.






76 views0 comments

Recent Posts

See All

Kommentarer


Subscribe here to get my latest posts

Thanks for submitting!

© 2024 Isabell Serafin Krause Blog.

    bottom of page