Techniques and Themes

Unit Context

This is Lesson 2 of 3 in the unit "Exploring Identity through Basquiat" designed for Year 12 Visual Arts students in Australia. The lesson focuses on analyzing Jean-Michel Basquiat’s art techniques and themes related to identity, followed by practical experimentation with mixed media to create personal artworks inspired by Basquiat's style.

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Curriculum Alignment

This lesson aligns with the following Australian Curriculum (v9) Visual Arts outcomes for Year 12:

• AC9AVA12E01: Investigate and analyse how artists use visual conventions, materials, techniques and processes to represent ideas, perspectives and meaning.
• AC9AVA12E02: Experiment with and apply a range of materials, techniques, and visual conventions to conceptualise and create artworks that express personal or cultural ideas.
• AC9AVA12E03: Evaluate and reflect on their own work and the work of others, considering different interpretations and cultural contexts to inform art practice.

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Lesson Details

• Duration: 60 minutes
• Class Size: approx. 20 students
• Subject: Visual Arts
• Year Level: 12
• Theme: Identity representation through Basquiat’s techniques
• Focus: Analysis, experimentation with mixed media, personal identity expression

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Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

1. Analyse Basquiat’s unique use of mixed media, layering, mark-making, text, symbols, and metaphor as techniques expressing identity (AC9AVA12E01).
2. Experiment with similar mixed media techniques to create a visual artwork expressing aspects of their own identity (AC9AVA12E02).
3. Discuss and reflect on how Basquiat’s techniques communicate complex cultural and personal identity themes, linking this understanding to their own work (AC9AVA12E03).

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Lesson Outline

Time	Activity	Description	Curriculum Links
0-10 mins	Introduction & Context	Brief review of Basquiat’s significance and identity themes from Lesson 1. Show high-res images and select artworks illustrating his techniques: use of words, symbols, expressive lines, layering of paint, collage elements. Stimulate discussion: How do these techniques express identity?	AC9AVA12E01
10-20 mins	Visual Analysis Exercise	Small group activity - students analyse one Basquiat artwork each, focusing on materials, techniques, and thematic elements. Groups identify and list techniques and how these communicate aspects of identity. Groups share findings with class.	AC9AVA12E01
20-30 mins	Demonstration and Technique Exploration	Teacher demo of Basquiat-inspired mixed media techniques: layering acrylic, charcoal, oil pastel, collage, freehand mark-making, and incorporation of text/symbols. Discuss using these to represent personal identity concepts.	AC9AVA12E02
30-55 mins	Guided Practice - Creation of Personal Artwork	Students experiment with supplied materials to create small mixed media artworks reflecting their identity, inspired by the discussed Basquiat methods. Teacher circulates, prompts reflection about technique choices and thematic content. Encouraged to explore vibrant layering, symbolic marks, and text.	AC9AVA12E02
55-60 mins	Reflection and Sharing	Students pair up to share their artworks and explain their chosen techniques and identity symbols. Brief plenary discussion linking their work back to Basquiat’s practice and impact.	AC9AVA12E03

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Resources Needed

• Digital projector or printed large images of Basquiat artworks
• Mixed media materials: acrylic paints, charcoal, oil pastels, markers, collage paper, glue, brushes, primers, canvas boards or heavy paper
• Example Basquiat artworks for analysis handout or digital display
• Sketchbooks or journals for reflection notes

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Assessment & Evaluation

• Formative Assessment: Participation in group analysis discussion, engagement during demonstration, and application of techniques in practical work.
• Summative Component: Students submit their mixed media artwork with a written or oral reflection explaining:
  • The techniques used and why
  • How their artwork expresses aspects of their identity inspired by Basquiat
  • Connections between Basquiat’s techniques and their own practice

The teacher assesses:

• Understanding of Basquiat’s artistic techniques and thematic concerns (AC9AVA12E01)
• Application and experimentation with mixed media processes (AC9AVA12E02)
• Ability to critically reflect on meaning and artistic choices (AC9AVA12E03).

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Teacher Notes: Tips to Impress

• Encourage students to think about identity beyond the surface — cultural heritage, personal experience, social roles — and to use symbolism as Basquiat did.
• Use Basquiat’s layering to surprise: combine chaotic marks with controlled text or symbols, breaking conventional ‘rules’ about neatness.
• Promote risk-taking with mixed media; the texture and rawness are central to Basquiat’s impact.
• Use student peer sharing to build critical language by encouraging use of art vocabulary linked to the Australian Curriculum, such as “mark-making”, “layering”, “symbolism”, “visual conventions”, and “personal expression.”

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This lesson embodies the key objectives in the Australian Curriculum (v9) Visual Arts strand for Year 12 students, balancing analytical, practical, and reflective skills essential for senior visual arts learners. The progressive structure ensures students connect deeply with Basquiat’s art while developing their own voice and mixed media skills.

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If you require a subsequent lesson plan for Lesson 3 or a detailed assessment rubric aligned to the Australian Curriculum, please let me know!