During the 70′s and 80′s artists of the East Village thrived. Radiant Child, is a documentary on Jean- Michel Basquiat that shows how anyone who presents his work as art, is thereby an artist. Art was an open door and a welcome haven for those on the East Village looking to express themselves. The artists were mostly young people who essentially were trying to “find themselves”. Jean -Michel Basquiat ran away from a difficult home, into another difficult home, or lack there of, but he had an outlet. People who were struggling at least had the unlimited opportunity of art.
Jean- Michel and other artists, wanted to leave their mark. Graffiti was a way for people to leave a permanent reminder of themselves in the city, to have some sort of imprint on the world. Those who may not have as many family and friends who will remember them once they are gone, graffiti is a way to be remembered. While the graffiti all over the East Village was certainly vandalism and disgraceful to the general population, large murals and colorful graffiti is impressive and shows tremendous talent. Public officials or real estate agents wanted to rid the city of art and its subculture but they should have realized sooner that embracing this art form would be an effective way to advertise this creative neighborhood.
There are specialized schools for people who work better creatively, more freelance professions, and programs for those who have art as a hobby or even as a form of therapy. It is important for there to be communities as well, neighborhoods that foster such an artistic atmosphere where those who love art and hate confinement will be able to pursue it and just live happily and peacefully. The East Village was a great place for many. After some back and forth and a little rebellion Christopher Mele explains how real estate agents and city officials lost to the passionate people of the East Village. They did not want fancy upper class apartments and they did not want a typical middle class community. They wanted art and freedom of expression and it took the city a while to figure that out.
