Maurizio Cattelan
Maurizio Cattelan is probably the most famous Italian artist in the world since Leonardo da Vinci, if we also consider fame outside of art. Social prankster whose provocations are never gratuitous and always effective, Cattelan is a living contradiction and a continuous re-invention, ever ready to move on before you are. In full Duchampian spirit, with the freshness of an advertiser and the neatness of a designer, Italy’s national artist par excellence never ceases to shine in the whirlwind of his mocking eclecticism. Starting with artworks that made art history and created socio-political controversy–like the Pope being struck down by a meteorite, Hitler kneeling in prayer or the satirical solid gold toilet sculpture linked to the career of Donald Trump–to Toilet Paper, the magazine of images, and the new Made in Cattelan brand for affordable interior design. After he announced his retirement only to make a glittering return, all we can do is wait for the next surprise that Maurizio will grant us.
