13 Things Vincent van Gogh and Kanye West Have in Common

These two creatives are more alike than you might think.

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Complex Original

Image via Complex Original

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Everybody, take a shot of absinthe, for today marks Vincent van Gogh's 161st birthday. Although it's been over a century since the artist last walked this earth, the Post-Impressionist painter's contributions to the creative world and art in general are still felt today. Best known for his vibrant works like The Starry Night and Café Terrace at Night, the masterful painter unfortunately did not receive much recognition for his talents until after his death. In fact, van Gogh lived a rather troubled, miserable life.

Therefore, we've decided to honor the man in a rather unconventional way, comparing van Gogh with creative genius Kanye West. Though West has yet to liken himself to the 19th century painter, the two are surprisingly similar (at least in some ways). Here are 13 Things Vincent van Gogh and Kanye West Have in Common.

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Both Kanye West and Vincent van Gogh were interested in art at a young age.

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Neither completed school.

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The two artists are known for retreating from the public and working in seclusion.

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They were both misunderstood by the public.

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Both created works that the mainstream may not have initially appreciated.

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Van Gogh and Kanye both have an iconic scowl.

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They hung out in Paris a lot.

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They both probably drank a lot.

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Both artists created what the public considers their best work after an "incident."

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Van Gogh was the happiest when he was in love, as is Kanye.

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Both were interested in Japanese culture.

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Van Gogh paved the way for Expressionists, and Kanye continues to change the game in both visual art and music.

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