Born in Padua, Italy, Maurizio Cattelan is a self-taught artist who emerged in the late 1980s. He gained international attention for his unconventional approach to sculpture, often utilizing taxidermy and hyperrealistic materials to create uncanny, life-sized figures that subvert traditional art historical tropes.

His practice is characterized by a signature blend of irony and social commentary, frequently employing pop culture references to engage with themes of authority, mortality, and the art market itself. His work often functions as a critique of the museum environment, positioning the artist as an outsider within the institutional framework.

Cattelan continues to maintain a significant presence in the global art circuit. His work remains a focal point for major institutional surveys, including recent inclusions in thematic exhibitions at the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum that examine the trajectory of contemporary art practices.