Artist Maurizio Cattelan has partnered with the online art platform Avant Arte for a new project featuring a sculptural self-portrait and a global scavenger hunt. This initiative aims to challenge traditional art values while reflecting on the artist's role in society. The project centers around 'We Are The Revolution (2025)', a limited-edition resin sculpture.
The new work draws inspiration from Joseph Beuys's iconic felt suit. Avant Arte states that Cattelan's piece is designed to satirize "the inflated self-importance of contemporary art." Simultaneously, it offers a "sincere reflection on the evolving role of the artist in society."
Key Takeaways
- Maurizio Cattelan launches 'We Are The Revolution (2025)' sculpture.
- The work is a self-portrait referencing Joseph Beuys's felt suit.
- 1,000 limited editions priced at €1,500 ($1,770 USD) via a random draw.
- A scavenger hunt in New York, London, and Amsterdam offers pieces at varied prices.
- Hunt prices range from $0.99 to €9,999 depending on location.
New Sculpture Challenges Art World Norms
The core of this new venture is the sculptural self-portrait, 'We Are The Revolution (2025)'. This piece directly references Joseph Beuys’s famous felt suit, known for its conceptual depth. Cattelan's new work seeks to provoke thought about the art market and artistic identity.
Maurizio Cattelan himself commented on the project. He noted the unexpected nature of his work entering private homes.
"If you never thought you would be able to hang my effigy in your home, that makes two of us," Cattelan said in a press statement.This statement highlights the artist's characteristic blend of humor and critical observation.
The 'We Are The Revolution' sculptures are made of resin. They will be available in a limited series of 1,000 editions. Each edition is priced at €1,500, which is approximately $1,770 USD. These sculptures will be released through a randomized drawing system on Avant Arte’s official website. Entries for this drawing will close on October 24.
Fast Fact
Maurizio Cattelan's previous work, 'Comedian' (a banana duct-taped to a wall), sold for $6.24 million at auction in 2019.
Global Scavenger Hunt for Art Editions
To further engage the public and underscore the project's themes, Avant Arte is launching a unique scavenger hunt. This hunt will take place in three major global cities: New York, Amsterdam, and London. The prices for the sculpture editions found during the hunt will vary significantly, ranging from $0.99 to €9,999. The price will depend on the specific location where the art piece is discovered.
The sculptures will appear in unexpected, everyday locations. These include market stalls, local bodegas, and antique dealerships. This distribution method challenges conventional gallery settings and makes art accessible in new ways. The scavenger hunt aims to bring the art directly to the public, blending it into daily life.
Background on Cattelan
Maurizio Cattelan is an Italian artist known for his satirical sculptures and installations. His works often use humor and provocation to critique art institutions, power structures, and the very concept of artistic value. He gained widespread international attention for pieces like 'Comedian' and 'America' (a solid gold toilet).
The scavenger hunt runs from September 30 to October 7. During this period, two clues per location will be released on Avant Arte’s website. Participants will use these hints to find the hidden art pieces. In New York, the hunt will involve physical sculptures. For London and Amsterdam, the hunts will be digital-only, adding another layer of conceptual engagement.
Value, Scarcity, and Desire in Art
Mazdak Sanii, CEO and co-founder of Avant Arte, explained the project's deeper meaning. He told ARTnews that Cattelan’s work frequently explores how value, scarcity, and desire are created within the art world. Sanii believes the hunt performs these ideas in real time.
"Maurizio Cattelan’s work often plays with how value, scarcity and desire are constructed — this hunt invites an audience across the world to retrieve his sculpture editions from unexpected locations in three major cities, performing some of these ideas in real time," Mazdak Sanii stated.
Avant Arte aims to reach a new generation of art enthusiasts and collectors. They seek to involve them in a creatively engaging project with one of today's most influential artists. This approach aligns with Avant Arte's mission to make contemporary art more accessible and interactive.
Previous Controversial Works
Cattelan is no stranger to creating works that spark discussion. His 'Comedian' piece, which featured a banana duct-taped to a wall, generated significant media attention and debate. That work sold for $6.24 million at auction last year, highlighting the sometimes unpredictable nature of art market valuations.
The artist's ability to provoke and entertain has cemented his place in contemporary art. His projects often blur the lines between art, commerce, and performance. This new collaboration with Avant Arte continues that tradition, inviting the public to actively participate in the creation of artistic meaning and value.
The varying price points in the scavenger hunt, from less than a dollar to thousands of euros, directly reflect Cattelan's ongoing exploration of value. It questions what makes an object valuable and how that value is perceived and assigned by different audiences. This interactive experience encourages participants to think critically about the art they encounter.
- Scavenger Hunt Dates: September 30 - October 7
- Clue Release: Two clues per location on Avant Arte website
- Locations with Physical Sculptures: New York
- Locations with Digital Hunts: London, Amsterdam
- Edition Release Draw Closes: October 24
This project represents a significant effort to democratize art access. It also serves as a commentary on the mechanisms of the art market itself. By placing valuable art in ordinary settings, Cattelan and Avant Arte challenge perceptions of where art belongs and who can own it.