For his latest work, Maurizio Cattelan wants you to confess... Absolution is at stake. To mark the start of Easter, as well as the 21st anniversary of Pope John Paul II’s death, the Italian artist has also made a limited edition of his most provocative and widely debated work... 666 of them.
Easter weekend is soon upon us and for many, it’s the final chance for reconciliation before celebrating Jesus’ Resurrection. Or a chance to gorge on chocolate eggs.
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Different strokes for different folks.
For celebrated Italian artist Maurizio Cattelan, he’s opting for the confessional option – with a signature twist. The artist, known for his thought-provoking provocations, has set up a special hotline which invites callers from around the world to “confess their sins”.
Starting today and lasting for three weeks, those burdened by their sins can call or leave a WhatsApp voice note and feel spiritually cleansed through repentance.
Cattelan will then select those he sees as most in need of absolution and invites them to confess, with him acting as priest, during a live-streamed event on 23 April.
“In a world of sin, absolution has never been so close,” says Cattelan.
He’s not stopping there though...
Having scandalised some in 1999 with his sculpture La Nona Ora (The Ninth Hour) - a lifesize sculpture of Pope John Paul II being struck down by a meteorite, Cattelan is bringing the flattened pontiff back. Just time to mark the 21st anniversary of the death of JPII.
He has reimagined his provocative work as an edition of 666 miniature sculptures, in collaboration with Avant Arte. The reimagined artworks are already available for sale - each retailing for €2,200.
For those who were dozing during religious studies and need a cheeky refresher, 666 refers to the number of the beast. It is associated with the Beast of Revelation (13:15-18 in the Book of Revelation). And for those who wish to go one step further this Easter, we refer you to a fragment of Papyrus 115 - the oldest preserved manuscript of the Revelation – which gives the number as χιϛ (or χιϲ), which translates in Arabic numerals as 616.
Class dismissed. Back to Cattelan...
For some, his latest project is an inspired opportunity for interactive performance, reminding people that the act of confession exists in a multitude of forms – as well as a way to make art more accessible to the wider public.
Mazdak Sani, CEO of Avant Arte says: “Few works have been consecrated in the collective imagination quite like La Nona Ora. It has been an honour to work with Maurizio to resurrect it this Easter - its second coming as an edition of 666 felt almost predestined."
For others, however, it’s blasphemy.
Not that controversy has ever been a problem for Cattelan. Often dubbed a jokester of the art world, he is known for provoking debate – whether in 1999 with La Nona Ora; in 2019 with his work Comedian – a banana duct taped to wall (which sold at Sotherby's New York for €5.8m in 2024); or last year, when his sculpture of a functional solid 18-carat gold toilet sold for $12.1m.
His works have sparked conversation, triggered criticism and stirred up conversations about the value of art and the absurdity of our times.
So, feeling weighed down by secrets or in dire need to confess your sins?
If you’re in the US, call +1 601 666 7466. For everyone else, a WhatsApp voice note will suffice.
“If you’re here to confess your sins, press one...”
