Endless Sunday

The exhibition Endless Sunday was inaugurated to celebrate the 15th anniversary of the Centre Pompidou Metz. It explores the contradictions of questioning existence, evokes the notion of extended time, and touches on themes of unwavering effort, idleness; the moments set aside for spirituality, relaxation, and profound conversations; along with the exploration of new lines of thought. This endless Sunday is framed within an alphabet book created in tribute to the philosopher Gilles Deleuze, serving as an invitation to revisit concepts related to Sundays, while inviting you to delve into Maurizio Cattelan's intricate universe with him as your guide. As visitors navigate through this fascinating exhibition, they are not only encouraged to reflect on their own experiences and expectations of Sundays but also to engage with the profound questions posed by the artworks on display. The exhibition offers a compelling juxtaposition of the mundane and the extraordinary, challenging us to reconsider how we perceive time, our relationships, and the significance we place upon daily rituals. Each piece within the gallery resonates with the philosophical underpinnings that underpin the concept of slowing down and appreciating the fleeting moments of life.

A | A family affair

In this section Cattelan portrays his mother inside a fridge, a domestic object that the family opens on Sunday. This striking installation not only captivates the audience's attention but also invites deeper contemplation about familial dynamics and the often humorous yet poignant nature of domestic life. By positioning his mother in such an unconventional setting, Cattelan prompts us to consider the absurdities of family interactions and the hidden layers of love and disarray that often characterize our closest relationships. With a touch of irony, he invites laughter while simultaneously stirring reflections on the roles we embody in our families, making the viewer ponder the delicate balance of affection and frustration that defines these ties.

M | Bad, Good and Misunderstood

Cattelan pointed out, "This is the perfect title for my biography: Misunderstanding is the story of my life". I've often been taken for a buffoon, a clown, a joker, or a provocateur, and I find myself constantly having to deal with these definitions. When I'm gone, I hope my work will live on in its own right, as a great opportunity to shake off the "prankster" persons that overshadow it. Cattelan conjures the figures of the impostor, which he refutes in order to highlight the misunderstandings that sometimes arise between what we want to say and the message received. As I reflect on these roles, it becomes clear how deeply intertwined they are with the themes of identity and perception in the art world.

Through the lens of his creations, Cattelan invites us to explore the nuances of intention versus interpretation, challenging our preconceived notions of humour and seriousness. In a world where symbolism often overlays reality, he skilfully navigates the fine line between humour and genuine commentary, encouraging viewers to reconsider their responses to his thought-provoking art. This delicate balance defines his artistry and sparks a broader conversation about engagement and understanding in contemporary culture.

The elephant in the room is the one we don't see, even though he takes up all of the space and even when he's hiding under the sheet. This fascinating creature, often overlooked by those who choose to ignore its presence, embodies an abundance of thoughts and emotions that fill the air, yet remain unspoken. The sculpture of baby elephant observing the world through two holes in the fabric, with its petrified gaze and pitiful attempt at hiding, create a poignant scene that evokes a kind of tenderness in us as observers. The sheer innocence of it contrasts starkly against the backdrop of indifference we often display in our interactions. Not Afraid of Love also plays the famous italian expression (come un elefante in un negozio di cristalli) and refers, somewhat ironically, to the reputedly and elusive image of Cattelan himself, inviting us to reflect on the fragility of our own existence amidst the weight of our unacknowledged emotions. This duality in the artwork challenges us to confront not just the large and obvious, but also the intricacies of what we choose to overlook in our daily lives.

Q | When we do stop understanding the world

'I’ve always wondered what I would have done if I’d had the chance to meet Hitler as a child, knowing what he would later become. Where does humanity end and evil begin?” Cattelan stated.

This profound reflection evokes a sense of deep moral inquiry, highlighting the complexities of human nature and the critical decisions that define our existence. It challenges us to consider the implications of inaction and the moral responsibilities we hold in shaping the future. These questions echo through the corridors of time as we reflect on the choices individuals have made throughout history and the paths they have taken, which have shaped not only their own lives, but also those of millions of others. Each decision made, whether grand or seemingly insignificant, ripples through the fabric of society, affecting generations to come. This reflection encourages us to engage with our own choices and the broader societal impacts they may have.

In this room, Cattelan presents Comedian: a banana secured to a wall with adhesive tape. It is one of the most famous works to emerge from the art market's media channels, sparking both intrigue and controversy in equal measures. This audacious piece challenges our perceptions of value and art, provoking discussions about the worth and meaning of contemporary artistic expressions. While some cried scandal, Cattelan's ready-made piece, twisted into a still-life vanitas, reminds us that, when it comes to art and museums, authoritarian and elitist gestures are often expected, complicating the dialogue surrounding accessibility and interpretation in the art world. This installation forces us to confront the absurdity of our cultural constructs and sparks debate about the nature of art, the role of the artist and the commodification of creativity in the modern world. In an age where art is frequently intertwined with commercialism, Cattelan's work prompts us to rethink our values, our appreciation for artistic innovation, and the way we define creativity itself. Ultimately, it invites us into a broader conversation about the future of art, its place in society, and how we can actively foster an environment that embraces both freedom of expression and critical thought.

Endless Sunday is an exhibition where you can explore each section and allow your thoughts to wander freely through an artistic and mental space and time, free from any imposed hierarchy. This exhibition encourages visitors to explore their creativity further, offering a unique opportunity to discover artistic expressions that challenge conventional norms. Each space is designed to provoke reflection and inspire dialogue, inviting you to engage with art in a personal and meaningful way. As you move through the different sections, you are encouraged to participate in the artistic experience, allowing your imagination to soar and expanding your understanding of the world around you.