"I don't think about art when I'm working. I try to think about life"

Jean-Michel Basquiat was an artist whose work spoke volumes about cultural identity, racial dynamics, and social injustice. The quote, "I don't consider art when I'm working. I attempt to think of life", encapsulates Basquiat's method to creativity and can supply a profound insight into his creative process and the approach behind his artwork.

At its core, this statement reflects Basquiat's emphasis on the natural and user-friendly nature of his artistry. Instead of restricting himself to the traditional restraints and intellectualized ideas of art, Basquiat sought inspiration from the raw and unfiltered experiences of life itself. His function was not merely to produce art for art's sake but to use his medium as a channel for revealing human experiences, feelings, and struggles. By concentrating on life, Basquiat's work becomes a genuine reflection of his understandings and analyses of the world around him.

The notion of "considering life" recommends that Basquiat's innovative procedure was deeply individual and rooted in the immediacy of his lived experiences. Whether drawing motivation from the dynamic energy of New York City's streets, the complexity of cultural interactions, or his own identity as a Black artist, Basquiat's work typically reflects a spontaneous interaction with his environment. His pieces function as a mosaic of references from various fields, such as literature, music, history, and African-American and Caribbean heritage, combining to form a story that extends beyond the canvas.

Additionally, by prioritizing life over art, Basquiat challenges the elitist ideas of what art ought to be. He equalizes the imaginative procedure, welcoming viewers from various backgrounds to engage with his work on a personal and informal level. Through this lens, art becomes a mirror, showing the diverse tapestry of human existence instead of a separated or raised entity.

In essence, Basquiat's quote underscores a belief that the real richness of art lies not in its technical accomplishments, but in its capability to encapsulate the essence of life itself. This approach promotes a deeper connection between the artist, the art work, and the audience, as it blurs the limits between art and life, instilling each piece with a pulse that is inextricably linked to the world from which it was born.