JANUARY SPECIAL FEATURE
Celebrating the Creative Power of Older Artists: Honoring the Legacy of Jean-Michel Basquiat and Others Over 60
The world of art is a rich tapestry woven together by people of all ages, yet it is often easy to overlook the incredible contributions made by older artists. From painters to musicians, sculptors to writers, creative minds who reach their later years continue to produce groundbreaking work that pushes boundaries and reshapes the landscape of art. Far from slowing down, many older artists harness their experience and mastery to create works that resonate deeply with contemporary audiences.
In 2025, we remember the legacy of Jean-Michel Basquiat, who would have turned 65 years old this year. Though Basquiat tragically passed away at the young age of 27, his work has endured, continuing to influence generations of artists and art lovers. His raw, vibrant, and powerful paintings broke new ground and continue to captivate with their blend of personal history, social commentary, and abstract expression. Basquiat’s impact on the art world remains unparalleled, demonstrating how age, while important, does not define the length or power of an artist’s influence.
The Timeless Creativity of Older Artists
Jean-Michel Basquiat is just one of many figures whose legacy exemplifies the power of art regardless of age. In fact, older artists often bring a unique depth to their work, fueled by decades of life experience, reflection, and growth. Their art reflects a complex understanding of history, culture, and identity that younger generations are still discovering. Whether it’s in the creation of visually striking paintings, thought-provoking compositions, or innovative sculptures, the contributions of older artists are essential to the cultural dialogue.
Take, for example, the acclaimed painter and printmaker Chuck Close, whose photorealist portraits continue to inspire despite his battle with a debilitating illness later in life. Close’s persistence in the face of adversity proves how the creative spirit can evolve and flourish even in older age. Similarly, musicians like Tony Bennett, who continued to perform well into his 90s, showed us how artistry can remain vibrant and powerful across the span of a lifetime.
Older artists, armed with years of experience, approach their craft with a level of nuance and complexity that can only come with time. They’ve had the opportunity to develop a unique voice, which gives their work an authenticity and emotional resonance that younger, less seasoned creators may still be working to achieve. Their art is an intersection of their journey—shaped by challenges, triumphs, and lessons learned—and their ability to reflect on the world through an ever-evolving lens.
Age Is No Barrier to Creativity
What’s perhaps most extraordinary is how many older artists maintain their vitality and passion as they age, producing works that speak to both their past and their present. Their creativity defies the assumption that youth is the only path to innovation. In fact, the complexity of life lived—through successes, heartbreaks, and everything in between—provides a wellspring of inspiration that younger artists can often only dream of tapping into.
Take the example of 81-year-old painter and sculptor Louise Bourgeois, who continued to create deeply personal, striking work until her passing at 98. Her exploration of themes like memory, family, and identity took on new layers as she aged, demonstrating how art can be a lifelong pursuit that continually adapts and transforms.
Similarly, renowned architect Frank Gehry, still active in his 90s, continues to design awe-inspiring, cutting-edge buildings that redefine the way we think about space and form. He’s a testament to how the evolution of creativity can occur at any stage in life.
What would have happened had Basquiat lived to see 65? It’s tempting to imagine the new territories his work might have explored and the collaborations he could have embraced. Given his restless energy, it’s likely he would have pushed the boundaries even further, combining technology, politics, and social activism with his raw, unmistakable visual language. In fact, even as Basquiat's work is immortalized on canvas, his influence is felt everywhere—from fashion runways to music albums to graffiti walls around the globe. His enduring power, even at the age he would be today, speaks volumes about the timelessness of great art.
Why We Need Older Artists
As we reflect on figures like Basquiat, we’re reminded that art does not belong to the young alone. The voices of older artists are essential to maintaining a well-rounded, vibrant art world. Their work continues to challenge assumptions, create new pathways, and inspire audiences across generations.
Art is not simply an expression of youth or a fleeting moment of inspiration; it is a lifelong exploration that can evolve, deepen, and grow richer with age. The creative contributions of older individuals are a testament to the resilience and power of human expression. By supporting and celebrating the achievements of older artists, we ensure that our cultural heritage is constantly being enriched by the very people who have lived through its most defining moments.
This January, let’s honor all the older artists still enriching our world. Their creativity doesn’t fade with age; it only becomes more profound, more expansive, and more powerful. So here’s to the artists over 60 who continue to inspire, challenge, and transform the art world—long may they create.