Maurizio Cattelan Exhibition Opens at Blenheim Palace

Blenheim Art Foundation hosts a solo exhibition by Maurizio Cattelan at Blenheim Palace, running from 12 September - 27 October 2019. Featuring new works specifically made for the show, this exhibition is Cattelan's first and most significant solo exhibition in the UK in 20 years. The Italian artist is best known for his hyper-realistic sculptures that take inspiration from pop culture and history in order to make sharp and satirical comment on society, power and authority.

Speaking to Artlyst, Michael Frahm, director of Blenheim Art Foundation, said: ‘We are happy to continue our mission to bring great contemporary art to Blenheim Palace. Maurizio Cattelan has been producing groundbreaking work for decades, so it is a proud moment for us to present his first UK solo show in twenty years. As the first artwork to be announced, America sets the tone for what should be a bold, exciting and thought-provoking show.’

One of Cattelan's most recognisable works, America (2016) - a solid 18-carat gold toilet - will be installed inside the palace, adjacent to the room in which British statesman Sir Winston Churchill was born. As a fully functioning toilet, visitors will be welcome to use it during their visit and experience a rare individual encounter with one of contemporary art’s most famous works.

Cattelan has a longstanding fashion connection. In 2018 in Shanghai, he curated an exhibition powered by Gucci called The Artist is Present, riffing off performance artist Marina Abramović's famous 2010 show with the same title at MoMA. Previously he has created ad campaigns for Kenzo and shot his own fashion stories with photographr Pierpaolo Ferrari.

For your chance to simultaneously visit the lavatory and commune with modern art, head to the Blenheim Palace website for ticket info.