Saturday, March 29, 2025
A dazzling and thought-provoking piece of art is making waves in the global auction market. A solid gold toilet, titled “America,” created by renowned Italian artist Maurizio Cattelan, is set to be auctioned at Sotheby’s in New York with a starting price of $10 million (₹83 crore).
This 101-kilogram toilet, made entirely of 18-karat gold, is one of the most controversial and symbolic artworks of the 21st century. Designed in London, the functional toilet was part of Cattelan’s satire on wealth, privilege, and excess in modern society.
The artist deliberately named it “America” to critique the illusion of equality and the obsession with luxury. According to Cattelan, “Whether it’s made of gold or clay, a toilet serves the same purpose. The only difference is what people choose to value.”
Unlike most art installations, “America” is fully functional. It was first displayed at the Guggenheim Museum in New York in 2016, where more than 100,000 visitors actually used it. Visitors were given timed appointments, making it one of the most unique and interactive art exhibits ever held.
In 2019, a similar golden toilet, installed at Blenheim Palace in England, was stolen overnight, sparking international headlines. The thieves caused extensive water damage while removing it, and despite several arrests, the artwork was never recovered.
Interestingly, the Guggenheim once offered the same golden toilet to the White House during Donald Trump’s presidency. The museum described it as a “long-term loan,” but the offer was politely declined by Trump’s staff.
Through “America,” Cattelan uses satire to expose the absurdity of modern consumer culture and the widening gap between the rich and poor. By turning a humble toilet into a luxury item worth millions, he challenges society’s notions of value, privilege, and art itself.
Auction House: Sotheby’s, New York
Starting Price: $10 million (₹83 crore)
Artist: Maurizio Cattelan
Title: “America”
Material: Solid gold, 101 kg
Category: Contemporary Art
