Copy that: Gucci director’s show examining plagiarism even borrows name of another
Ni Ni, Liu Wen, Li Yuchun and Susie Bubble attend opening of Gucci creative director Alessandro Michele and artist Maurizio Cattelan’s thought-provoking show in Shanghai
Plagiarism in art and fashion is nothing new, but what constitutes copying and what is its value? Italian artist Maurizio Cattelan seeks to answer this question in an exhibition in Shanghai, which begins with the bold statement, “Truth#1, I copy therefore I am”.
A collaboration with the creative director of Gucci, Alessandro Michele, Cattelan’s exhibition at the Yuz Museum challenges the principles of modern art – originality, intention, expression. The cleverly curated show, featuring installations, sculptures and multimedia works by more than 30 artists, opened to a star-studded crowd on Wednesday. Attendees include model Liu Wen and celebrities such as Li Yuchun and Ni Ni.
“Copying is like a blasphemy: it could seem not respectful towards God, but at the same time is the significative recognition of [his] existence”, says Cattelan.
The exhibition borrows its title, “The Artist is Present”, from a 2010 solo show by Marina Abramovic at the Museum of Modern Art in New York.
