[1] Bernstein was born on October 31, 1939, in New York City to a family with an older brother, David and younger sister, Ellen.

His mother first took him to the Museum of Modern Art children's school, where he saw works by Piet Mondrian, Pablo Picasso, and other artists.

[3] In the 1960s, Bernstein moved into the Hotel Chelsea and was immersed into nightlife scene at venues such as Max's Kansas City.

He puts wit into the beauties, fantasy into the rich, depth into the glamorous and adds instant patina to newcomers.

[10] On October 18, 2002, Bernstein died of complications of AIDS at his apartment at the Hotel Chelsea at the age of 62.