Cattelan and Bottura Honored at Accademia di Carrara

Maurizio Cattelan was appointed honorary professor of sculpture and Massimo Bottura received an honorary degree during the academic year inauguration at the Accademia di Carrara. Cattelan, known for his irreverent style, delivered a humorous speech thanking the academy, past and present artists, and the marble of Carrara. The academy recognized Cattelan for his "cultured creativity and intellectual freedom." Bottura, chef of three-Michelin-star Osteria Francescana, was honored for his culinary and artistic culture. During the ceremony, Cattelan unveiled "Eternity," an installation-performance on death featuring tombstones for artists, including himself with the death date April 24, 2018, and for academy director Luciano Massari. The project was funded by Cattelan's donation of €30,000, financing 20 scholarships of €1,500 each for students. The event was live-streamed on Facebook by attendees.