Jean-Michel Basquiat

I like to paint on the street because it’s where life is.

I don’t think about art history when I’m working. I think about my history.

I don’t know what my paintings mean. Maybe they mean nothing.

I like to paint on wood because it feels alive.

I don’t think about the audience when I’m working. I think about myself.

I like to paint on metal because it’s cold and hard, like life.

I don’t know if I’m an artist. I just know I make things.

I like to paint on glass because it’s fragile, like people.

I don’t think about the future when I’m working. I think about the present.

I don’t know if my work will last. I just know it’s here now.

I like to paint on paper because it’s cheap and disposable, like life.

I don’t know if my work is important. I just know it’s mine.

I like to paint on walls because they’re big and permanent, like ideas.

I don’t think about the meaning of life when I’m working. I think about the meaning of my life.

I don’t know if my work is art. I just know it’s what I do.

I like to paint on clothes because they’re close to the body, like thoughts.

I wanted to be a dinosaur when I was a kid.

I like to paint on doors because they open and close, like minds.

I don’t know if my work is good. I just know it’s honest.

I like to paint on furniture because it’s functional, like art should be.