Purple Magazine
— The 30YRS Issue #38 F/W 2022
maurizio cattelan purple interview
MAURIZIO CATTELAN
purple interview
How did you become an artist?
MAURIZIO CATTELAN — It was mainly for lack of alternatives.
Do you consider yourself a professional?
MAURIZIO CATTELAN — I’m still working on the best definition of myself.
Can anyone become an artist?
MAURIZIO CATTELAN — Anyone can try, but few will succeed.
If you weren’t an artist, what would you be?
MAURIZIO CATTELAN — I would not be.
Is art entertainment?
MAURIZIO CATTELAN — Sometimes it is, and it’s the less entertaining part.
What are the greatest taboos today?
MAURIZIO CATTELAN — Getting old.
What is missing in art today?
MAURIZIO CATTELAN — The place to be.
What’s your favorite joke of the moment?
MAURIZIO CATTELAN — If God had written the Bible, the first line should have been: “It’s round.”
Where are you metaphysically located right now?
MAURIZIO CATTELAN — Melting down in the global-warming summer.
What achievement are you most proud of?
MAURIZIO CATTELAN — My increasing empathy with people.
What are your favourite rituals?
MAURIZIO CATTELAN — Swimming two hours in the morning and making myself a salad right after.
Are you an anarchist?
MAURIZIO CATTELAN — No, but I do indeed have an issue with authorities.
How do you think the world will end?
MAURIZIO CATTELAN — Burnt.
Do you ever like to lose control?
MAURIZIO CATTELAN — Less and less with aging.
If you could compete with any artist, who would it be?
MAURIZIO CATTELAN — I’m not very competitive, but I would love to get to know Giotto.
What is your worst artwork?
MAURIZIO CATTELAN — It’s quite a long list.
What is your best artwork?
MAURIZIO CATTELAN — It is yet to come.
What’s on your desk or your work space?
MAURIZIO CATTELAN — A toolbox – you never know.
Do you like pop culture?
MAURIZIO CATTELAN — I love pop culture; it’s the most educational culture I know.
What surprises you?
MAURIZIO CATTELAN — Books.
Can fashion be art?
MAURIZIO CATTELAN — Fashion is an art indeed, but it cannot be art.
How do you deal with today’s anxieties?
MAURIZIO CATTELAN — I don’t!
Where is the future for you?
MAURIZIO CATTELAN — That question makes me anxious.
Would you like to clone yourself?
MAURIZIO CATTELAN — No, I’m already fed up with one of me.
What do you like about technology?
MAURIZIO CATTELAN — The opportunities it creates.
If you could send an artwork to another planet, what would it look like?
MAURIZIO CATTELAN — It would look like Elon Musk.
What would you say to Purple for the years to come?
MAURIZIO CATTELAN — The best is yet to come!
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