Maurizio Cattelan (b. 1960, Padua, Italy) is one of contemporary art’s most irreverent and enigmatic figures, known for his dark humour, conceptual wit, and sharp critiques of institutional power. Through provocative sculptures and staged interventions, Cattelan explores themes of death, celebrity, religion, and the absurdity of art itself.

Often blurring the line between reality and performance, Cattelan has created some of the most iconic and controversial artworks of the 21st century. His infamous Comedian (2019)—a banana duct-taped to a wall—sparked global headlines and became an instant meme, while earlier works such as La Nona Ora (1999), depicting Pope John Paul II struck down by a meteorite, challenge sacred symbols with audacious irreverence.

Cattelan’s practice is also marked by self-effacement and subversion. He has “retired” multiple times, staged a full retrospective hanging all his works from the ceiling (Maurizio Cattelan: All, Guggenheim, 2011), and founded the satirical art magazine Toiletpaper.

Far from mere provocateur, Cattelan uses humour as a scalpel, cutting into the hypocrisies of art, politics, and society with equal parts mischief and precision. His work is held in major museum collections including the Guggenheim, MoMA, and Centre Pompidou.

“ I understand if people think it’s just a joke or another trick of mine. „

—Maurizio Cattelan