Maurizio Cattelan

Maurizio Cattelan (Italian; born 21 September 1960) is an Italian visual artist. Known primarily for his hyperrealistic sculptures and installations, Cattelan’s practice also includes curating and publishing. His satirical approach to art has resulted in him being frequently labelled as a joker or prankster of the art world. Self-taught as an artist, Cattelan has exhibited internationally in museums and Biennials. Maurizio Cattelan created his most important works of art at Viale Bligny 42 in Milan, where he lived for many years.

In 2011, the Guggenheim Museum in New York City presented a retrospective of his work. Some of Cattelan’s better-known works include America, consisting of a solid gold toilet; La Nona Ora, a sculpture depicting a fallen Pope John Paul II who has been hit by a meteorite; and Comedian, a fresh banana duct-taped to a wall as a 2019 limited edition of three, one of which sold for $6.2 million in 2024.

In 2025 Maurizio Cattelan’s retrospective, Sussurro, was showcased at the Serralves Villa, a 1930s Art Deco house, part of the Serralves Museum in Porto, Portugal. The exhibition brings together a selection of works deeply connected to history, reflecting Cattelan’s approach to art. In addition to the pieces displayed in the Villa, sculptures by the artist were installed throughout the Serralves Park. Together, these settings offer a unique contextualization of both Maurizio Cattelan’s work and of Serralves Park and Villa.

Pictures are of this retrospective, Sussurro. Serralves Museum in Porto, Portugal, 2025.