The best way to begin is to say: 'Balthus is a painter of whom nothing is known. And now let us have a look at the paintings'.

I had only planned to strike the gong violently in order to somehow shake people up and make them more aware. I think I succeeded.

Painting is a language which cannot be replaced by another language. I don't know what to say about what I paint, really.

Painting is the passage from the chaos of the emotions to the order of the possible.

The best way to begin is to say: 'Balthus is a painter of whom nothing is known. And now let us have a look at the paintings'.

One must always draw, draw with the eyes, when one cannot draw with a pencil.

I always feel the desire to look for the extraordinary in ordinary things; to suggest, not to impose, to leave always a slight touch of mystery in my paintings.