Ripley's Believe It or Not! has acquired a solid gold toilet, creatively named 'America', for an astounding $12.1 million (£9.3 million). This unconventional artwork, created by Italian conceptual artist Maurizio Cattelan, is a fully functional toilet made from more than 101 kg of solid 18-carat gold.
The piece first made headlines in 2016 when it was installed in a public restroom at the Guggenheim Museum in New York, drawing attention not just for its opulent material but also for its provocative commentary on art and commodity. However, the toilet was the center of a major heist in September 2019 when it was stolen from Blenheim Palace, igniting a sensational story that captivated global media.
After the theft, it was revealed that a second version of the artwork existed. This version was sold at auction by Sotheby's, where it received just one bid. Ripley’s was not initially disclosed as the buyer, but they confirmed their purchase with a cheeky Instagram post that stated, we're flush with excitement. The company, known for its eclectic collection of oddities and attractions, hinted that they are exploring opportunities to allow brave guests to sit on the golden throne.
The auction marked a significant achievement, as the price fetched made it Cattelan's second-highest sale, following his sculpture of a kneeling Hitler, which sold for $17.2 million in 2016. This artistic endeavor serves as both an incisive commentary on the valuing of art in our current society and as a remarkable feat of both imagination and craftsmanship.
Ripley's and Sotheby's have described the piece as a 'cultural phenomenon' that confronts the complex relationship between art, value, and societal beliefs. With its storied past and potential for new experiences for audiences, the golden toilet continues to stir conversations regarding the intersections of art and commerce.
