Chagall died in 1985 almost a hundred years old. He lived through the twentieth century, experiencing one revolution, two wars, and one exile. The painter mixed with some of the most innovative artists of his time, and borrowed elements from avant-garde movements, such as cubism. He sometimes seemed to come close to it but always retained his artistic independence. Chagall's oneiric works were inspired by his imagination. He considered art to be a state of mind above all things.