Maurizio Cattelan is a renowned Italian contemporary artist celebrated for his provocative, satirical, and often subversive works that challenge societal norms and the art world itself. Born on September 21, 1960, in Padua, Italy, Cattelan is a self-taught artist who began his career in the 1980s and quickly gained international recognition for his irreverent approach to art.
Cattelan’s works often blend humor and irony, addressing themes such as power, mortality, and the absurdities of modern life. Some of his most iconic pieces include “La Nona Ora” (The Ninth Hour), depicting Pope John Paul II struck by a meteorite, and “Comedian”, the infamous banana duct-taped to a wall that became a global sensation in 2019. His art frequently pushes boundaries, sparking debates about the nature of art, consumerism, and cultural values.
Known for his unpredictable personality, Cattelan announced a “retirement” from art in 2011 after his retrospective at the Guggenheim Museum in New York, only to return with new projects that continue to defy expectations. Beyond his artworks, he has also co-founded the irreverent art magazine “TOILETPAPER”, which merges surreal photography and pop culture.
Maurizio Cattelan remains one of the most influential and controversial figures in contemporary art, constantly provoking thought and dialogue through his audacious and unforgettable creations.
