Maurizio Cattelan’s Comedian at UCCA Beijing/Shenzen-Leeum, Seoul, 2023-Roma Palazzo Bonaparte, 2023. Image Courtesy UCCA Center for Contemporary Art

Maurizio Cattelan’s Comedian 2019, a banana securely duct-taped to a wall, will be a major feature at the NGV Triennial exhibition of contemporary art, design, and architecture

BY KAZEEM ADELEKE, ARTCENTRON

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA- Maurizio Cattelan’s intriguing work, Comedian 2019, is set to make its Australian debut at the highly anticipated NGV Triennial exhibition of contemporary art, design, and architecture. According to the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV), this unconventional masterpiece, featuring a banana securely duct-taped to a wall, is an opportunity for viewers to ponder the unconventional in contemporary art.

Created in 2019, Maurizio Cattelan’s Comedian challenges traditional perceptions of art. The NGV, known for its avant-garde exhibitions, has secured one of three editions of this thought-provoking piece. Moreover, the peculiar maintenance ritual of replacing the banana every 3 to 5 days adds an extra layer of intrigue, making it a dynamic and evolving artwork. Initially debuted at the Perrotin gallery booth during Art Basel Miami in 2019, it was recently anonymously donated to the Guggenheim Museum in New York.

Maurizio Cattelan’s Comedian 2019: A Commentary on Art

In its essence, Comedian underscores the idea that art does not need complexity to be meaningful or valuable. The sculpture transcends its simplicity, serving as a commentary on the unpredictable and whimsical nature of the art market. It sheds light on how society attributes value to objects, turning them into commodities. This seemingly unassuming banana, elevated within an art context, is now a symbol of profound expression. In addition to challenging the conventional notions of complexity in art, Comedian is also a testament to the simplicity that can convey profound messages—a refreshing perspective in our hyper-consumerist world.

Maurizio Cattelan, known for his irreverent approach, likens Comedian to an apple for Cézanne, a universally recognized minimum common denominator. However, he adds a twist, stating, “Cézanne does it with brush strokes, I do it with gaffer tape.”

Tony Ellwood AM, Director of NGV, acknowledges Cattelan’s global influence, noting that the Australian-exclusive iteration of Comedian will undoubtedly engage visitors in exploring the role of conceptual art in contemporary life and culture. It’s a unique opportunity to delve into the contradictions and paradoxes of the modern world through Cattelan’s lens.

Building on Critique

Comedian is not an isolated piece but an extension of Cattelan’s body of work, critiquing the economic structures and power dynamics within the art world. From renting exhibition spaces to taping his gallerist to a wall and headless horses hanging on walls, Cattelan consistently challenges the status quo.

About Maurizio Cattelan: An Artistic Journey

Cattelan was born in Padua in 1960. He draws freely from the real world, creating irreverent works aimed at both art and institutions. His fame and notoriety soared with The Ninth Hour, a sculpture in which a meteorite collided with a wax sculpture of Pope John Paul II. The attention from critics around the globe propelled him into the spotlight. This provocative piece toured internationally, making waves in major art capitals.

Cattelan’s solo exhibitions span prestigious institutions globally, including The Museum of Modern Art, in New York. Additionally, his works were in shows at Centre Georges Pompidou, Paris; and ‘We,’ Leeum Samsung Museum of Art, Seoul, in 2023. His significant contributions to major events like the Venice Biennale and the Whitney Biennial showcase his enduring impact.

NGV Triennial 2023: A Grand Showcase

Opening on December 3, the NGV Triennial 2023 promises a captivating glimpse into the contemporary world through the eyes of over 100 artists, designers, and collectives. This extraordinary exhibition, spanning all four levels of NGV International, boasts more than 75 projects, including 25 world-premiere commissions by NGV, making it a must-see cultural event. Admission is free.

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