Maurizio Cattelan is undoubtedly the best known and most controversial contemporary Italian artist. His works include Hanged Children, the sculpture of John Paul II being struck by a meteorite—which was removed from a square in Milan due to public outcry—and, most recently, Finger, which was displayed in front of the Italian Stock Exchange headquarters. All of his works have aroused heated debate in the art world and the general public. Some believe Cattelan is one of the brightest geniuses of contemporary art, while others consider him only a vulgar—yet clever—provocateur. But who exactly is Maurizio Cattelan? Why does everything he creates cause a scandal?
Francesco Bonami, who is the curator of numerous exhibitions and has collaborated with Cattelan on many projects, tells the true story, from the beginning of Cattelan’s career to his current resounding success. In this officially unofficial biography, Maurizio Cattelan plays along and tells his story through Bonami, offering, as one of his most provocative works yet, his point of view on art and society—one that, as always, will have people talking.
