Lisane Basquiat, the sister of renowned artist and creator Jean-Michel Basquiat, visited St. Albans this week to address the Upper School in assembly. Lisane, a business woman and public speaker, drew connections between her brother’s work and legacy and the obstacles we all face throughout our lives. She emphasized the importance of being a dreamer, even when struggling against the weights of traditional expectations. She pointed out that Jean-Michel’s greatest legacy may be that a room full of high school students still know his name and work, and that children much like them now have a new model of success to aspire to.

Using Jean-Michel’s path to success as an example, she highlighted the need to be pragmatic and to find a way to achieve your own definition of success and happiness, while still being humble enough and willing to ask for help to help you achieve it. After she finished her prepared thoughts, she fielded questions from interested students, ranging from the influences of Jean-Michel’s work, to her own skills, loves, and endeavors. Lisane was invited to campus by the Cultural Awareness Organization and English Department Chair Donna Denize, and spent time afterwards visiting classes in the Upper School. See photos from the event below: