Form and function, art and humor collide in Maurizio Cattelan’s (mohr-REET-see-oh CAT-teh-lahn) most recent work. Installed in New York City’s Guggenheim Museum, the sculpture is a fully functioning toilet cast in precious metal.
1. Describe Duchamp’s concept of a readymade. Does Cattelan’s work fall into that category? Explain.
2. Is America a statement about excess or an equalizer?
3. Is America a thoughtful work of art or just a joke?