For me, graffiti means making marks on surfaces using just about anything, be it markers, spray, paint, chalk, lipstick, varnish, ink. Or it can be the result of scratches and incisions. The aim is to maintain the energy created by disturbance or excitement in the street. Barry McGee aimchalkcreate share on social
If I could get the respect of 14-year-olds, I'm happy. They're the toughest audience. Barry McGee audiencehappyold Change image and share on social
Most inspiration still comes from bicycling around San Francisco. This city never fails to inspire me. It is one of the most vibrant cities - especially visually - with a constant influx of young energy arriving daily. I love it. Barry McGee arrivebicyclecity share on social
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. Barry McGee bigcommoditycontrol share on social
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. Barry McGee artdealdynamic share on social
Drawings, paintings, and sculptures. That's the three pillars of art academia. Barry McGee academiaartdrawing Change image and share on social
Some people are enraged, and some people are applauding. If there were a mission statement for graffiti, that would be it. Barry McGee applaudenragegraffito Change image and share on social
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. Barry McGee artbagbook Change image and share on social
I love biographies. I read Patti Smith's 'Just Kids.' I'm into that time frame in New York, the '70s and '80s. In art school, I read 'Close to the Knives,' the autobiography of the artist and AIDS activist David Wojnarowicz. Barry McGee 70s80sactivist share on social
I'm really into California art from the '60s. Barry McGee 60sartcalifornia Change image and share on social