Jean-Michel Basquiat Quotes: A Dive into the Mind of a Visionary Artist
Jean-Michel Basquiat, an American artist who is now a pioneer known for his raw, expressive style and exploration of themes such as race, identity, and social justice, was born in 1960 in Brooklyn, New York. Emerging in the 1980s New York art world, Basquiat became one of his generation’s most influential artists.
With a mix of street art, graffiti, and neo-expressionism, many elements of Basquiat’s work resulted in often mixing words, symbols, and bold colors into powerful and evocative compositions. His works, including “Untitled (Skull)” and “Hollywood Africans,” are hallmarked by frenetic energy, dynamic brushwork, and layered meanings.
Basquiat’s legacy was strong even throughout his early demise at 27 years old. His work defied tradition. Today, Basquiat is widely regarded as a visionary artist whose impact continues to echo across the globe.
Jean-Michel Basquiat Quotes
1. “Most Young Kings Get Their Heads Cut Off.”
— Jean-Michel Basquiat
2. “I start a picture and I finish it. I don’t think about art while I work. I try to think about life.”
— Jean-Michel Basquiat
3. “SAMO as an end to to mindwash religion, nowhere politics and bogus philosophy.”
— Jean-Michel Basquiat
4. “Every single line means something.”
— Jean-Michel Basquiat
5. “I cross out words so you will see them more.”
— Jean-Michel Basquiat
6. “I wanted to be a star, not a gallery mascot.”
— Jean-Michel Basquiat
7. “Believe it or not, I can actually draw.”
— Jean-Michel Basquiat
8. “If you wanna talk about influence, man, then you’ve got to realize that influence is not influence. It’s simply someone’s idea going through my new mind.”
— Jean-Michel Basquiat
9. “Fire will attract more attention than any other cry for help.”
— Jean-Michel Basquiat
10. “I am not a black artist, I am an artist.”
— Jean-Michel Basquiat
11. “The more I paint the more I like everything.”
— Jean-Michel Basquiat
12. “I cross out words so you will see them more; the fact that they are obscured makes you want to read them.”
— Jean-Michel Basquiat
13. “I don’t listen to what art critics say. I don’t know anybody who needs a critic to find out what art is.”
— Jean-Michel Basquiat
14. “I start a picture and I finish it.”
— Jean-Michel Basquiat
15. “I wanted to build up a name for myself.”
— Jean-Michel Basquiat
16. “1. sports 2. opera 3. weapons.”
— Jean-Michel Basquiat
17. “My favorite Twombly is ‘Apollo and the Artist,’ with the big ‘Apollo’ written across it.”
— Jean-Michel Basquiat
18. “If I’m away from painting for a week, I get bored.”
— Jean-Michel Basquiat
Why Basquiat’s Words Matter
Just like the paintings he created, Jean-Michel Basquiat’s quotes pack a punch and provide insight into how he thought and what world he lived in. They expose his battles with fame, identity and societal mandates while celebrating his dogged creativity and passion for truth. Basquiat’s words challenge us to think beyond the limits and embrace the power of self-expression.
Conclusion
Jean-Michel Basquiat’s legacy lives on through artists, thinkers, and dreamers everywhere. Like his combined words and art, his quotes resonated with timeless truths and unique energy. Remembering his insights, we recall the timeless capacity of art to stimulate thought, question convention, and relate us to the core of life.
What is one of your favorite Basquiat quotes? Please share it below and lets collectively celebrate this wondrous artist!!!
