Mother, 1999

Known for his satirical and shocking sculptures and installations, Maurizio Cattelan is revered for his irreverent, subversive and often controversial works. Cattelan does not shy away from the use of taboo themes such as taxidermy – one of his most recognised and shocking works is Novecento; the body of a former race-horse, hanging by a harness in a drooping position. Darkly humorous and critical at the same time, Cattelan often commented on current affairs or public figures; La Nona Ora was a work that portrayed Pope John Paul II being hit by a meteorite. Describing himself as a lazy artist, Cattelan’s works are often simple to the point that they validate his description; one of his earliest exhibitions saw him hang a ‘Be Back Soon’ sign outside the gallery, which he kept closed for the duration – a fitting example of the humorous, tongue-in-cheek nature that pervades his work.