The Artivist by Nikkolas Smith (review)

Abstract

Reviewed by: The Artivist by Nikkolas Smith Danica Ronquillo Smith, Nikkolas The Artivist; written and illus. by Nikkolas Smith. Kokila/Penguin, 2023 [40p] Trade ed. ISBN 9780593619650 $18.99 E-book ed. ISBN 9780593619667 $10.99 Reviewed from digital galleys R 4-7 yrs A young boy finds comfort painting and helping his community, but he can't help but see the overwhelming injustices around him. That makes him determined to use his love for art and activism to better the world: "I will sketch and draw and scribble and paint the broken bones I see and the healing I hope for." When a mural he paints on top of a water tower goes viral in the media, the young boy continues to spread awareness and inspire people to change the world for the better, painting one mural at a time. Drawing from his own "Artivist" journey, Smith powerfully illustrates a young child's perspective in the face of a world in crisis. Dark illuminating shades of purple depict symbolic objects like prison cells and chains, and words like greed, racism, and gentrification embody physical manifestations of global issues, while the boy's own art is presented in resplendent, glorious yellow. The repetitive structure of "The Artivist . . . " also adds structure, emphasizing that an Artivist must be brave, a good listener, and "a memory keeper, painting JUSTICE for all. Especially all those who no longer have a voice." Other than painters, Smith lists [End Page 71] different types of artists like singers, writers, or filmmakers, encouraging many young Artivists to call out injustices and positively make an impact by letting their art speak and spark empathy to the world. An author's note is included. Copyright © 2023 The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois