My Matson/Moderna Museet, Artwork by ©maurizion Cattelan 2024
“The Third Hand”, on display until January 12, 2025, offers visitors a thought-provoking journey through Cattelan's irreverent and often controversial works, masterfully interwoven with pieces from the museum's permanent collection.
Cattelan, known for his statement "It's not about art, it's about life," brings this philosophy to the forefront in this expansive show. Each gallery becomes a stage for dissecting and reimagining power dynamics, with Cattelan's signature wit and biting social commentary serving as the guiding force.
Museum Director and curator Gitte Ørskou has carefully orchestrated the exhibition to highlight Cattelan's belief in the transient nature of power. This theme resonates throughout the show, as Cattelan's works engage in a provocative dialogue with the museum's existing pieces.
One of the most jarring installations features a hyper-realistic sculpture of Adolf Hitler, depicted in a kneeling, prayer-like posture. This unsettling image forces visitors to confront the horrific legacy of a man who once wielded immense power. The sculpture's placement before Roy Lichtenstein's "Finger Pointing" transforms the scene into a powerful indictment, creating a visceral reminder of historical atrocities and their lasting impact.
In another gallery, visitors encounter a striking marble sculpture of a man and a dog lying side by side. This piece blurs the lines between sleep and death, reality and artifice, prompting viewers to question the hierarchy between humans and animals. By presenting both figures as equals, Cattelan challenges traditional power structures and invites reflection on our relationships with other species.
The exhibition also features a replica of Cattelan's monumental work "L.O.V.E." (2010-), a 36-foot marble hand with all fingers severed except for the middle one. This audacious sculpture, which at first glance could be mistaken for a fascist salute, serves as a scathing critique of the totalitarian regimes that scarred 20th-century Europe. Its imposing presence within the museum space further underscores Cattelan's ability to provoke and challenge institutional norms.
Throughout "The Third Hand," Cattelan demonstrates his mastery in exposing human weaknesses and dismantling established power structures. While celebrating art's capacity to ignite imagination and inspire change, he simultaneously maintains a skeptical stance towards institutional authority, including that of the art world itself.
This exhibition not only showcases Cattelan's individual works but also highlights his skill in creating immersive environments that challenge visitors' perceptions. By juxtaposing his pieces with those from Moderna Museet's collection, Cattelan creates a rich, multi-layered experience that encourages viewers to question their assumptions about art, power, and society.
"The Third Hand" stands as a testament to Cattelan's enduring relevance in contemporary art discourse. It offers a unique opportunity for visitors to engage with his provocative vision and to contemplate the complex dynamics of power in our world today.
Moderna Museet, located at Exercisplan 4, 111 49 Stockholm, Sweden, invites art enthusiasts and curious minds alike to experience this extraordinary exhibition, which promises to leave a lasting impression on all who encounter it.
My Matson/Moderna Museet, Artwork by ©maurizion Cattelan 2024
My Matson/Moderna Museet, Artwork by ©maurizion Cattelan 2024
My Matson/Moderna Museet, Artwork by ©maurizion Cattelan 2024
My Matson/Moderna Museet, Artwork by ©maurizion Cattelan 2024
My Matson/Moderna Museet, Artwork by ©maurizion Cattelan 2024
Kristin Kaye
Insatiably curious about human expression, she immerses herself in literature, theater, art, and dance. Her academic journey led to degrees in Modern Literature, where she delved into The Furioso, and Historical Sciences with a focus on Contemporary History. Her studies took her to the prestigious Erasmus University Rotterdam, broadening her international perspective.
Her passion for culture isn't confined to personal enjoyment—it spills onto the pages of various publications. There, she explores not only artistic endeavors but also civil rights issues and the myriad ways human culture manifests itself. For her, writing about these topics isn't just a profession; it's an irresistible calling that stems from her deep-seated fascination with the human experience.