Maurizio Cattelan's Berlin Show: Beyond the Banana and Gold Toilet

Maurizio Cattelan, known for his $6 million banana and stolen gold toilet, is presenting a major exhibition at the Neue Nationalgalerie in Berlin. The show, which includes works referencing Hitler and a pope, is described by the artist as serious, countering perceptions of his practice as mere pranks. In an interview at the museum, designed by Mies van der Rohe, Cattelan discussed the range of his work, from the impish to the profound. He noted that his pieces already address villains and imposters, and joked that some might need resuscitation. The exhibition is set against the backdrop of the NNG's recent renovation. Cattelan's career has been marked by provocative gestures, including 'Comedian' (the duct-taped banana) and 'America' (the gold toilet), which was stolen from Blenheim Palace in 2019. The Berlin show promises to offer a deeper look at his oeuvre, exploring themes of religion, power, and mortality.