Welcome to a collection of profound reflections and captivating insights by the enigmatic figure, Rene Ricard. A luminary in the realms of art, poetry, and critique, Ricard’s words resonate with a raw intensity, cutting through the complexities of life and art with piercing clarity. As an influential voice in the New York City art scene of the 1970s and 1980s, Ricard left an indelible mark with his unapologetic passion and unbridled creativity. Whether through his evocative poetry, incisive critiques, or vibrant persona, Ricard’s essence continues to captivate and inspire.
Within these pages, you will discover a treasury of quotes that encapsulate Ricard’s unique perspective on art, culture, love, and the human experience. Each quote is a window into Ricard’s soul, offering glimpses of his profound wisdom, biting wit, and boundless imagination. Whether you’re an artist seeking inspiration, a thinker pondering life’s mysteries, or simply a curious soul exploring the depths of human expression, Ricard’s words are sure to leave an indelible impression. So, dive in, explore, and let the brilliance of Rene Ricard ignite your own creative spark.
Charles James was a dear friend of mine when I was a little boy – 17, 18. He was mad as a hatter. I had no idea how famous he was. Rene Ricard
To support myself as a kid, I was a model at art schools around Boston. Rene Ricard
I pledge allegiance to the living, and I will defend art from history. I will rescue art from the future, from its attrition into taste, and from the speculative notion that it will become more valuable with time. Rene Ricard
I want my soldiers – I mean artists – to be young and strong, with tireless energy performing impossible feats of cunning and bravura. Rene Ricard
I had to make my history quick because there would be no future, merely a gossamer world blown about on the zeitgeist, till zeitgeist, the wind of the times, is blasted away by kamikaze, the wind of God. Rene Ricard
I don’t have a philosophy in a nutshell; I would go on and on too much. Rene Ricard
My work is all that I think about because I spent so many years not doing anything. Therefore, work pleases me, which is success in itself. Rene Ricard
Women are really beautiful in their forties, and men seem to come of age around the period of their second wife. Rene Ricard
I honestly don’t need much money. People love to buy me drinks. Hostesses love to feed me. Famous artists lavish me with expensive artworks, and heiresses do the same with jewels that I promptly lose. Rene Ricard
I hate having my picture taken. Ten years ago, I stopped having a good side. Rene Ricard
I should be paid to go out. You see, I’m good for business. I class up a joint. Rene Ricard
I asked someone once why he liked Jean-Michel’s work and why it was being singled out for acclaim, and he said, ‘Because it looks like art.’ But then again, art doesn’t always look like art at first. The way the space shuttle that lifts off doesn’t much resemble the space shuttle as it lands. Rene Ricard
You don’t know how pretty you are when you’re young. Just being young is beautiful. And I was astonishingly pretty – you know, very skinny. Rene Ricard