I like kids' work more than work by real artists any day.
In the realm of creation, there is a purity that often escapes even the most practiced hand. Jean-Michel Basquiat speaks to this eternal truth when he declares, “I like kids’ work more than work by real artists any day.” These words reveal the deep value of unfiltered expression, of imagination untouched by convention or expectation. The ancients knew that the first impulse of the heart, unshaped by rules or learned technique, often contains a clarity and vitality that the disciplined eye may struggle to replicate.
To cherish kids’ work is to honor the spontaneity, honesty, and fearless experimentation that define the young. Basquiat reminds us that true creativity does not always follow the pathways of skill or reputation; it emerges from the unguarded soul, from gestures and ideas made without hesitation. In every line, color, and form, there lies a truth that is immediate and unpretentious, speaking directly to the essence of wonder.
In contrast, the work of real artists, honed through study and convention, carries the weight of expectation. While mastery of technique is admirable, it often comes with restraint and caution, shaping expression to fit known standards. Basquiat’s insight celebrates the value of freedom in creation, suggesting that the vitality of unrefined expression can teach, inspire, and awaken the spirit in ways that careful discipline may not.
The origin of this wisdom is ancient. From the earliest storytellers and cave painters to the philosophers who reflected upon imagination, humanity has long revered the power of untainted creativity. The instinctive gestures of the young, the spontaneous marks upon the world, were recognized as reflections of pure human spirit, a glimpse of truth before the mind imposes its structure. Basquiat’s words are a modern echo of this enduring insight: that the raw and fearless expression of life holds a beauty and honesty unmatched by learned mastery.
Thus, let this teaching endure: value the work of the unshaped, the spontaneous, the fearless. Kids’ work teaches us that authenticity, courage, and wonder are the lifeblood of creation. In every act of unguarded expression lies the potential to reveal deeper truths than technique alone can capture, and in honoring this, the soul is reminded of the joy and freedom inherent in the act of making.
PVThu Phuong Vu
Basquiat’s preference for children’s art over what we consider ‘real’ art is a bold statement on the authenticity of creativity. It’s almost as if he’s suggesting that art, in its purest form, should be unrestrained and free from the pressures of technique or interpretation. Do you think adult artists would benefit from letting go of that controlled, academic approach and embracing the raw creativity children naturally express?
QTNhu Quynh Tran
Jean-Michel Basquiat’s quote really challenges traditional notions of what makes art valuable. It’s a refreshing perspective that reminds us art doesn’t always need to be complex or filled with symbolism to be meaningful. Is there something inherently liberating about children's art, in that it doesn’t carry the weight of expectation that adult art often does? How could we create a space for more of this unrefined creativity in the art world?
PHNguyen Phuong Ha
I love how Basquiat appreciates the rawness of kids’ work. It makes me think about how the art world often places limits on creativity, deeming something 'worthy' only if it fits a certain narrative. What if we allowed more of that spontaneous energy from children’s art to flow into contemporary art? Could it revolutionize how we view and value creativity?
YTDinh Ngoc Yen Trang
Basquiat’s preference for kids’ work over traditional art raises an interesting question about artistic value. Is it possible that the so-called 'real' art that we often see in galleries has become too polished, to the point of losing the authenticity that makes art so powerful? Do we place too much emphasis on technique and concept, and not enough on the emotional honesty that comes from the heart, like in children’s work?
BHBaodz Hehe
This quote by Basquiat makes me reconsider what art truly means. Children’s art is often pure and unfiltered, whereas much of adult art can be laden with complexity or pretension. Do you think adults could learn something from the unguarded, spontaneous creativity children show in their artwork? What does it say about the way society defines art and artists? Should we embrace more child-like creativity in art?