Maurizio Cattelan Opens Up About Sin, Silence, and Stealing: ‘I’m Guilty Too’
If you have been in the art world for a minute, you have probably attended a benefit gala or two for an art nonprofit. The expectations for these events are pretty well established. After a cocktail hour, attendees get their seat assignments and dine on fine cuisine while they get acquainted and exchange gossip with their neighbors. Remarks are addressed to a restive crowd. Photographers record flashy outfits for the society pages. Perhaps a celebrity auctioneer takes bids on artworks or experiences to raise funds. But artists are often great at subverting expectations, and the Renaissance Society, a beloved arts venue at the University of Chicago known for its brainy exhibitions, has for several years now invited artists to direct its annual benefit, known around town as the RenBen. In 2025, Meriem Bennani was the emcee, and the event was held at a working commercial helicopter facility, where aircraft landed and took off during the event. Related Articles Perhaps no one is better at defying expectations than Italian artist Maurizio Cattelan. On Wednesday, April 8, …
