Portrait of Maurizio Cattelan

Maurizio Cattelan

Banana duct-taped to wall artist

Contemporary weird famous 193 sayings

Sayings by Maurizio Cattelan

If there's a paradox, it's that luxury can be the best way to talk about failure.

2025 — Discussing paradox in his work in an interview with Lampoon Magazine.
General Unverifiable

I wished I had more middle fingers.

2023 (mentioned in article) — Allegedly displayed above the bar of Caffè degli Artisti in East Milan.
General Unverifiable

Why do they put pizza in a square box?

2023 (mentioned in article) — Allegedly displayed above the bar of Caffè degli Artisti in East Milan.
Food & Drink Unverifiable

I find an unknown past much more interesting than a miserable one.

2022 — Discussing his personal history and attraction to the art world, in an interview with FRONTRUNNER Ma…
General Unverifiable

Someone once said that a couple of misfortunes in the family are more than enough to not make you feel the need to have a Master.

2022 — Reflecting on his lack of formal artistic training, in an interview with FRONTRUNNER Magazine.
General Unverifiable

From the outside it seemed like a place where no one would tell you to do or not do something, a place where you can experiment and discover things.

2022 — Describing his initial attraction to the art world, in an interview with FRONTRUNNER Magazine.
General Unverifiable

To be realistic, it's a few months long phone call, often at the strangest times.

2022 — Clarifying the collaborative process of creating his works, in an interview with FRONTRUNNER Magazin…
General Unverifiable

It is difficult to think for yourself, on the phone there is always someone who bounces the ball back to you, it is a constant dialogue. It is a maieutic process that does not always have a happy ending, however, and I must admit that I am sadder for the unsuccessful works than happy for the successful ones.

2022 — Describing his collaborative and often challenging artistic process, in an interview with FRONTRUNNE…
Self-Deprecating Unverifiable

I don't think there is a right and a wrong way, they are both legitimate. Art is made by people, each with their own sensitivity.

2022 — Discussing different approaches to art and artistic expression, in an interview with FRONTRUNNER Mag…
Self-Deprecating Unverifiable

Every morning we choose between milk or tea or coffee: usually I know what I like, but I don't rule out changing my idea sometimes. The editing process is one of the most important parts in everyday life.

2015 — Discussing his decision-making process, in an interview with The Talks.
Self-Deprecating Unverifiable

Mistakes are part of the decision-making process.

2015 — Discussing his approach to his work, in an interview with The Talks.
General Unverifiable

Art is a waste of time. I do it because I have to. I do it to survive. I do it because I don't know how to do anything else.

2011 — Interview
Self-Deprecating Unverifiable

I’m not a genius. I’m just a guy who takes advantage of situations.

2011 — Interview
Life & Aging Unverifiable

Sometimes I feel like I'm a professional liar. I tell stories, and people believe them.

2011 — Interview
General Unverifiable

I like to create a situation where people don't know what to think.

2009 — Interview with Hans Ulrich Obrist
Food & Drink Unverifiable

I always wanted to be famous. I don't know why. Maybe because I was a small kid.

2011 — Interview
Self-Deprecating Unverifiable

I'm not interested in art. I'm interested in the effect art has.

2011 — Interview
General Unverifiable

I think I'm a good artist because I'm a bad person.

2011 — Interview with Nancy Spector
General Unverifiable

I don't have a message. I just want to make people laugh, or cry, or be confused.

2011 — Interview
Self-Deprecating Unverifiable

My work is like a joke. If you have to explain it, it's not funny.

2011 — Interview
Work & Money Unverifiable
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