Date of Birth: July 23, 1946
Zodiac Sign: Leo
Date of Death: February 1, 2014
Biography
Rene Ricard was an American poet, painter, and art critic, whose career spanned several decades and left a significant mark on the New York City art scene. Born in Boston, Massachusetts, Ricard moved to New York City in the late 1960s, where he quickly became a central figure in the avant-garde art and literary communities. He is perhaps best known for his work as an art critic in the 1980s, particularly his essay “The Radiant Child,” which helped to catapult the career of the artist Jean-Michel Basquiat. Ricard’s poetry, characterized by its wit, romanticism, and biting social commentary, earned him a dedicated following. Throughout his life, he exhibited his paintings and published several volumes of poetry, including “Trusty Sarcophagus Co.” and “God With Revolver.”
5 Interesting Facts about Rene Ricard
1. Rene Ricard was associated with Andy Warhol’s Factory and appeared in several Warhol films, including “Chelsea Girls.”
2. His essay “The Radiant Child,” published in Artforum in 1981, was instrumental in the rise of Jean-Michel Basquiat.
3. Ricard was known for his flamboyant personality and often wore a top hat and carried a cane.
4. He was a self-taught artist and his work often featured poetic texts combined with imagery, blurring the lines between poetry and visual art.
5. Despite his critical acclaim, Ricard struggled with addiction and financial instability throughout his life.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Rene Ricard
1. “I can’t even put a cup down on the table without it being a still life.”
2. “All art is a self-portrait, whether you like it or not.”
3. “In every artist’s life, there comes a moment when they must take themselves seriously or give up.”
4. “The poet’s job is to make the unbearable bearable.”
5. “Fame is a form of incomprehension, perhaps the worst.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
At his peak, Rene Ricard’s net worth was modest compared to his contemporaries, with estimates not significantly exceeding $500,000.
Children
Rene Ricard did not have any children.
Relevant Links
1. [Rene Ricard on Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rene_Ricard
4. [Interview with Rene Ricard in Bomb Magazine](https://bombmagazine.org/articles/rene-ricard/
5. [Rene Ricard’s Poetry Foundation Page](https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poets/rene-ricard
