Maurizio Cattelan Recalls Berlin Years as Postman, Mortuary Attendant and Sperm Donor Ahead of Neue Nationalgalerie Show
In an interview with The Guardian, Maurizio Cattelan discussed his formative years in Berlin, revealing that he worked various jobs including a postman and a mortuary attendant. Known for his controversial 2019 piece featuring a banana, he emphasized the depth of his art, stating that it transcends mere provocation. Cattelan expressed skepticism towards the notion of legacy, indicating it can foster egotism. This upcoming exhibition represents a notable comeback for him to Berlin, where he previously balanced these multiple roles in his pursuit of artistic success while establishing his distinctive voice in the contemporary art scene.
Key facts
- Maurizio Cattelan gave the interview to The Guardian ahead of a major exhibition at the Neue Nationalgalerie in Berlin.
- In his early years in Berlin, Cattelan worked as a postman, a mortuary attendant and a sperm donor.
- Cattelan is known for Comedian (2019), a banana taped to a wall.
- He said: "My work has always been serious. The problem is people often stop at the joke."
- Cattelan stated he has no foundation, has never had a studio and has no family.
- He compared the notion of a legacy to being overly conscious of oneself and building constructions.
- The interview was published on the eve of the Neue Nationalgalerie show.
- The source article appeared at theartnewspaper.com under a 2026/10/19 URL.
Entities
Artists
Institutions
- The Guardian
- Neue Nationalgalerie
Locations
- Berlin
- Germany
- Italy