27 Quotes by Barry McGee

I want to do just, like, regular art. Whatever is made today on canvas goes up against all of art history. Its the most radical thing.

I like the idea that you can paint something outdoors, and anyone can see it. It's open to anyone, and people have to deal with it. In the gallery, it's the same 150 people on the San Francisco art scene. There's a dynamic on the street that's definitely more interesting.

Work done illegally outdoors or without permission feels like pure freedom to me. I understand how it can upset many in our society, but in the bigger picture, it is ultimately about freedom. We are living in a time where public space has become a commodity for corporations to control and dictate what is seen and heard.

Galleries are easier to steal from than the Apple Store, maybe.

I have tons of art books. I have them all over the place. They are in my car, in my bag, and in my studio. There are books around me all the time.

I just try to get away with as much as I can. I don't think that's very radical in the art world.

I wasn't trying to turn graffiti into an art form. I just wanted to learn about art. I wanted to learn this game.

I'm really into California art from the '60s.

If I could get the respect of 14-year-olds, I'm happy. They're the toughest audience.