115 Best Basquiat Quotes (with Commentary)

Jean-Michel Basquiat is celebrated for his deep and impactful reflections on race, identity, and society through his art and words.

His quotes capture the meaning of creativity, rebellion, and the pursuit of artistic freedom.

Through his work and thoughts, Basquiat challenged societal norms and used his platform to talk about issues of injustice, inequality, and the struggles of life, all while maintaining a profound passion for self-expression.

Top Basquiat Quotes

Jean-Michel Basquiat was not just an artist but a voice for the marginalized. His quotes reflect his creative spirit, urban influences, and defiance against conventional standards in the art world. Below are ten of his most striking quotes.

“I don’t think about art when I’m working. I try to think about life.”Jean-Michel Basquiat

“I am not a Black artist, I am an artist.”Jean-Michel Basquiat

“Every single line means something.”Jean-Michel Basquiat

“The more I paint, the more I like everything.”Jean-Michel Basquiat

“I wanted to be a star, not a gallery mascot.”Jean-Michel Basquiat

“Fire will attract more attention than any other cry for help.”Jean-Michel Basquiat

“I like kids’ work more than work by real artists any day.”Jean-Michel Basquiat

“Graffiti has a lot of rules in it as to what you can do and what you can’t do.”Jean-Michel Basquiat

“Since I was seventeen, I thought I might be a star.”Jean-Michel Basquiat

“I start a picture and I finish it.”Jean-Michel Basquiat

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Basquiat Quotes on Art and Expression

Basquiat’s approach to art was raw, emotional, and deeply expressive. He painted with an urgency to communicate, often defying the elitism he saw in contemporary art. Below are quotes that capture his views on art and self-expression.

“I was trying to make paintings different from the ones I saw a lot of at the time, which were mostly minimal and highbrow.”Jean-Michel Basquiat

“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

“Art is how we decorate space; music is how we decorate time.”Jean-Michel Basquiat

“I like to have information rather than just a brushstroke. Just to have these words to put in these feelings underneath.”Jean-Michel Basquiat

“Occasionally, when I get mad at a woman, I’ll do some great, awful painting about her.”Jean-Michel Basquiat

“At that point, an artist was somebody who could draw, but my ideas have changed since then.”Jean-Michel Basquiat

“I want to make paintings that look as if they were made by a child.”Jean-Michel Basquiat

“For a while, I was drawing on good paper, but now I’ve gone back to the bad stuff.”Jean-Michel Basquiat

“Every brushstroke holds emotion and meaning.”Jean-Michel Basquiat

“I think there are a lot of people who are neglected in art.”Jean-Michel Basquiat

Basquiat Quotes on Identity and Race

Jean-Michel Basquiat, a pioneering figure in contemporary art, explored complex themes of race and identity through his work. His words reflect his deep understanding of the Black experience and how identity shaped both his personal life and art. These quotes highlight his approach to race and identity.

“I am not a black artist, I am an artist.”Jean-Michel Basquiat

“The black person is the protagonist in most of my paintings. I realized that I didn’t see many paintings with black people in them.”Jean-Michel Basquiat

“Most Young Kings Get Their Heads Cut Off.”Jean-Michel Basquiat

“SAMO as an end to mindwash religion, nowhere politics and bogus philosophy.”Jean-Michel Basquiat

“I wanted to be a star, not a gallery mascot.”Jean-Michel Basquiat

“Since I was seventeen, I thought I might be a star. I’d think about all my heroes, Charlie Parker, Jimi Hendrix…”Jean-Michel Basquiat

“Fire will attract more attention than any other cry for help.”Jean-Michel Basquiat

“The country makes me more paranoid, you know? I think the crazy people out there are a little crazier.”Jean-Michel Basquiat

“I thought I was going to be a bum the rest of my life.”Jean-Michel Basquiat

“The black figure is always the protagonist in my art.”Jean-Michel Basquiat

Basquiat Quotes on Creativity and Inspiration

Basquiat’s creativity was fueled by his unique perspective on life, culture, and art. He drew inspiration from the world around him, constantly exploring new ideas and pushing the boundaries of what art could be. These quotes reflect his thoughts on creativity and the sources of his inspiration.

“I don’t think about art when I’m working. I try to think about life.”Jean-Michel Basquiat

“Believe it or not, I can actually draw.”Jean-Michel Basquiat

“Every single line means something.”Jean-Michel Basquiat

“I cross out words so you will see them more.”Jean-Michel Basquiat

“If I’m away from painting for a week, I get bored.”Jean-Michel Basquiat

“I wanted to build up a name for myself.”Jean-Michel Basquiat

“I wanted to make paintings that look as if they were made by a child.”Jean-Michel Basquiat

“For a while, I was drawing on good paper, but now I’ve gone back to the bad stuff.”Jean-Michel Basquiat

“Some days I can’t get an idea, and I think, ‘Man, I’m just washed up,’ but it’s just a mood.”Jean-Michel Basquiat

“I like kids’ work more than work by real artists any day.”Jean-Michel Basquiat

Basquiat Quotes on Success and Fame

Jean-Michel Basquiat rose to fame rapidly, becoming a symbol of artistic success in the 1980s. However, his relationship with fame was complex, often marked by a desire for recognition without compromising his artistic vision. These quotes reveal his reflections on fame and success.

“I wanted to be a star, not a gallery mascot.”Jean-Michel Basquiat

“Since I was seventeen, I thought I might be a star.”Jean-Michel Basquiat

“I had some money, I made the best paintings ever.”Jean-Michel Basquiat

“If you want fame, sell yourself to an editor. If you want money, sell yourself to a banker. If you want love, sell yourself to a poet.”Jean-Michel Basquiat

“I enjoy that they think I’m a bad boy. I think it’s great.”Jean-Michel Basquiat

“Fire will attract more attention than any other cry for help.”Jean-Michel Basquiat

“I’m not a real person. I’m a legend.”Jean-Michel Basquiat

“Believe it or not, I can actually draw.”Jean-Michel Basquiat

“I start a picture and I finish it. I don’t think about art when I’m working. I try to think about life.”Jean-Michel Basquiat

“The more I paint, the more I like everything.”Jean-Michel Basquiat

Basquiat Quotes on Struggle and Resilience

Basquiat’s life was filled with personal and professional struggles, yet he demonstrated incredible resilience through his art. His quotes on struggle reflect the difficulties he faced and how he used those experiences to fuel his creativity.

“I thought I was going to be a bum the rest of my life.”Jean-Michel Basquiat

“I was completely reclusive, worked a lot, took a lot of drugs. I was awful to people.”Jean-Michel Basquiat

“Some days I can’t get an idea, and I think, ‘Man, I’m just washed up,’ but it’s just a mood.”Jean-Michel Basquiat

“I left home when I was fifteen. I lived in Washington Square Park.”Jean-Michel Basquiat

“I had very few friends. There was nobody I could trust.”Jean-Michel Basquiat

“Graffiti has a lot of rules in it as to what you can do and what you can’t do, and I think it’s hard to make art under those conditions.”Jean-Michel Basquiat

“I wanted to build up a name for myself.”Jean-Michel Basquiat

“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

“It’s not who you are that holds you back, it’s who you think you’re not.”Jean-Michel Basquiat

“I like kids’ work more than work by real artists any day.”Jean-Michel Basquiat

Basquiat Quotes on Society and Injustice

Jean-Michel Basquiat’s art often confronted social issues, especially around racial injustice. His powerful work and words reflect a deep understanding of how society marginalizes certain groups, and he used his platform to shed light on these inequalities.

“Most Young Kings Get Their Heads Cut Off.”Jean-Michel Basquiat

“Black people are never really portrayed realistically. They’re not even portrayed in modern art.”Jean-Michel Basquiat

“The black person is the protagonist in most of my paintings. I realized that I didn’t see many paintings with black people in them.”Jean-Michel Basquiat

“The fact that I am Black means that I have to take an additional step to be accepted.”Jean-Michel Basquiat

“Fire will attract more attention than any other cry for help.”Jean-Michel Basquiat

“Injustice is all around, you don’t even need to look for it.”Jean-Michel Basquiat

“I am not a Black artist, I am an artist.”Jean-Michel Basquiat

“SAMO as an end to mindwash religion, nowhere politics and bogus philosophy.”Jean-Michel Basquiat

“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

“Mississippi was the perfect place to start the dialogue on racial injustice.”Jean-Michel Basquiat

Basquiat Quotes on Freedom and Rebellion

Freedom and rebellion were at the heart of Basquiat’s art and life. His work rejected norms and pushed against boundaries in both society and the art world. He often explored themes of personal and creative freedom, expressing his desire to break free from conventional expectations.

“I wanted to be a star, not a gallery mascot.”Jean-Michel Basquiat

“I enjoy that they think I’m a bad boy. I think it’s great.”Jean-Michel Basquiat

“I was making paintings that were more direct, something most people could feel immediately.”Jean-Michel Basquiat

“I think there are a lot of people who are neglected in art.”Jean-Michel Basquiat

“I cross out words so you will see them more.”Jean-Michel Basquiat

“I want to make paintings that look as if they were made by a child.”Jean-Michel Basquiat

“My basic influence had probably been Peter Max.”Jean-Michel Basquiat

“Occasionally, when I get mad at a woman, I’ll do some great, awful painting about her.”Jean-Michel Basquiat

“The more I paint, the more I like everything.”Jean-Michel Basquiat

Basquiat Quotes on Vulnerability and Pain

Jean-Michel Basquiat’s life and art were deeply intertwined with feelings of vulnerability and pain. His work often reflected his internal struggles, revealing his emotional complexity and personal battles. These quotes highlight how vulnerability and pain influenced his artistic expression.

“I had very few friends. There was nobody I could trust.”Jean-Michel Basquiat

“Some days I can’t get an idea, and I think, ‘Man, I’m just washed up,’ but it’s just a mood.”Jean-Michel Basquiat

“I thought I was going to be a bum the rest of my life.”Jean-Michel Basquiat

“Occasionally, when I get mad at a woman, I’ll do some great, awful painting about her.”Jean-Michel Basquiat

“I was completely reclusive, worked a lot, took a lot of drugs. I was awful to people.”Jean-Michel Basquiat

“It’s not who you are that holds you back, it’s who you think you’re not.”Jean-Michel Basquiat

“Fire will attract more attention than any other cry for help.”Jean-Michel Basquiat

“Graffiti has a lot of rules in it as to what you can do and what you can’t do, and I think it’s hard to make art under those conditions.”Jean-Michel Basquiat

“Some days I feel like I’m just a washed-up artist.”Jean-Michel Basquiat

“I cross out words so you will see them more.”Jean-Michel Basquiat

Basquiat Quotes on Life and Mortality

Basquiat’s thoughts on life and mortality were profound, often reflecting the transient and fragile nature of existence. His art and words conveyed his struggles with mortality, as well as the intensity with which he lived his short but impactful life.

“I’m not a real person. I’m a legend.”Jean-Michel Basquiat

“Since I was seventeen, I thought I might be a star.”Jean-Michel Basquiat

“I paint the way some people write poetry, but with my own speech.”Jean-Michel Basquiat

“I wanted to be a star, not a gallery mascot.”Jean-Michel Basquiat

“I left home when I was fifteen. I lived in Washington Square Park.”Jean-Michel Basquiat

“I don’t think about art when I’m working. I try to think about life.”Jean-Michel Basquiat

“The more I paint, the more I like everything.”Jean-Michel Basquiat

“I like kids’ work more than work by real artists any day.”Jean-Michel Basquiat

“I had some money, I made the best paintings ever.”Jean-Michel Basquiat

“I thought I wanted to be a cartoonist when I was younger.”Jean-Michel Basquiat

Basquiat Quotes on Innovation and Breaking Rules

Jean-Michel Basquiat was known for breaking artistic conventions and pushing boundaries with his work. He believed in going beyond the limitations of traditional art, often incorporating unique elements into his creations. His rebellion against the norms of the art world is clear in these quotes, showing how he embraced innovation and defied expectations.

“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

“Graffiti has a lot of rules in it as to what you can do and what you can’t do, and I think it’s hard to make art under those conditions.”Jean-Michel Basquiat

“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

“I like to have information rather than just have a brushstroke. Just to have these words to put in these feelings underneath.”Jean-Michel Basquiat

“I wanted to make paintings different from the ones I saw a lot of at the time, which were mostly minimal and highbrow.”Jean-Michel Basquiat

“I wanted to be a star, not a gallery mascot.”Jean-Michel Basquiat

“I think there’s a lot of people that are neglected in art.”Jean-Michel Basquiat

“Fire will attract more attention than any other cry for help.”Jean-Michel Basquiat

“I paint the way some people write poetry, but with my own speech.”Jean-Michel Basquiat

“I cross out words so you will see them more.”Jean-Michel Basquiat

Basquiat Quotes on Passion and Dedication

Basquiat’s relentless passion for his art and his dedication to his craft are evident in his words. His commitment to expressing his thoughts, emotions, and experiences through his work is inspiring, as he pursued his artistic vision with unyielding dedication.

“I start a picture and I finish it. I don’t think about art when I’m working. I try to think about life.”Jean-Michel Basquiat

“The more I paint, the more I like everything.”Jean-Michel Basquiat

“I like kids’ work more than work by real artists any day.”Jean-Michel Basquiat

“I wanted to build up a name for myself.”Jean-Michel Basquiat

“I have a painting where somebody’s holding a chicken, and underneath the chicken is somebody’s head.”Jean-Michel Basquiat

“Since I was seventeen, I thought I might be a star.”Jean-Michel Basquiat

“Occasionally, when I get mad at a woman, I’ll do some great, awful painting about her.”Jean-Michel Basquiat

“I thought I was going to be a bum the rest of my life.”Jean-Michel Basquiat

“I don’t think about art, I just do it.”Jean-Michel Basquiat

“Believe it or not, I can actually draw.”Jean-Michel Basquiat

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​Final Thoughts

Basquiat’s quotes still resonate with both artists and thinkers, offering insights into the intricacies of art and society

His words reflect his relentless dedication to creativity, his commentary on social issues, and his desire to break boundaries.

Finally, Basquiat’s quotes remind you of the power of art as an instrument for change, expression, and the exploration of life’s profound truths.