The <WE> exhibition by Maurizio Cattelan in Seoul features 38 works spanning from 1990 to the present, making it his largest show since his 2011 retrospective at the Guggenheim Museum in New York.

 

MAURIZIO CATTELAN

Born in Italy in 1960, Cattelan is a sculptor and visual artist renowned for his satirical take on religion, politics, society, and the art world. His works often blur the line between humor and controversy, challenging viewers to rethink the familiar.

 

Shadow / 2023

 

Him / 2001

- Platinum silicone, fiberglass, human hair, clothing, shoes

From a distance, he appears to be a small, neatly dressed student deep in prayer. But upon closer inspection, the unsettling reality sets in, it’s Adolf Hitler. This piece forces the viewer to confront the tension between innocence and evil, making it one of Cattelan’s most provocative works.

 

Secrets / 1998

- donkey, dog, cat, crow bone

 

Breath / 2021

- ​Carrara Marble

 

Family / 1998

- Stuffed donkey, dog, cat, and crow

 

 

All / 2007

- Carrara Marble

This marble sculpture represents the lifeless bodies of nine individuals, their identities intentionally obscured. The piece evokes an overwhelming wave of memories and emotions tied to tragedy, making it a hauntingly powerful installation.

 

Comedian / 2019

 - Banana, tape

Cattelan’s banana, famously duct-taped to a wall, made headlines when a college student ripped it off and ate it, claiming he was hungry. Surprisingly, museum staff were unfazed, as the banana had already been scheduled for replacement, which happens every three days.

This wasn’t the first time attendees had taken a bite out of his work; similar incidents occurred at his New York exhibition. Perhaps the act of consuming the banana has become just as much a part of the artwork as the banana itself.

 

Bidididobidiboo / 1996 ​

- ​Taxidermied squirrel, ceramic, Formica, wood, paint, steel

 

LA Nona Ora / 1999

- Silicone rubber, human hair, clothing, crucifix, accessories, stone, carpet

In one of Cattelan’s most controversial pieces, Pope John Paul II lies on the ground, struck by a meteor. The work is an unmistakable critique of Catholicism, yet there’s an ironic serenity in the way the Pope is depicted. Despite the gravity of the scene, I couldn’t help but chuckle at how oddly peaceful he appeared.

 

Charlie Don't Surf  / 1997

- Platinum silicone, paint, school desks, chairs, steel, clothes, shoes, pencils

 

Untitled / 2018

A meticulous 1:5 scale replica of the Sistine Chapel stands as one of the exhibition’s highlights. Visitors eagerly line up to step inside, making it one of the most time-consuming yet fascinating experiences in the show.

Maurizio Cattelan’s <WE> exhibition is a bold, thought-provoking journey through satire, humor, and critique. Whether challenging historical figures, institutions, or art itself, his works leave a lasting impact. If you’re in Seoul, this is an exhibition you won’t want to miss.

 

Address : 60-16 Itaewon-ro 55-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul  OPEN GOOGLE MAP

Tel : +82-2-2014-6900

Operation Hours : Tuesday-Sunday : 10:00 - 18:00 (Monday closed)

Website : www.leeum.org/exhibition

Admission Fee : Free  (Online reservation required)

 

Source : https://blog.naver.com/wonnyrang/223110163801

Writer : wonnyrang

Special thanks to wonnyrang

 

maurizio cattelan leeum seoul museum itaewon

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