In this lesson, students examine how learning about an artist’s background and intentions impacts their critique of the artwork. First, they closely view Bird on Money by Jean-Michel Basquiat before learning the background and inspiration for the artwork. They explore the purpose of artist statements before writing their own artist statement in their artist’s journal. Students then run their program to assess where they are in the design of their own project. To conclude the unit, students engage in a gallery walk in which they will critique the artwork of their peers, focusing specifically on the elements and transformations they encounter.