In an unexpected and provocative turn in the art world, Maurizio Cattelan’s infamous artwork, Comedian—a banana duct-taped to a wall—has sold for an astounding $6.2 million (R112.3 million) at a Sotheby’s auction in New York, reports Cape {town} Etc.
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According to AP, this figure is four times higher than the pre-sale estimates, cementing the installation as one of the most talked-about pieces in contemporary art.
The bidding battle was fierce, with Chinese cryptocurrency mogul Justin Sun ultimately securing the piece after outbidding six other contenders. Sun, who runs the Tron blockchain network, has pledged to continue the tradition set by the artwork’s unusual instructions: ‘In the coming days, I will personally eat the banana as part of this unique artistic experience,’ he said in a statement.
While the banana itself might now be valued as one of the most expensive fruits ever sold, its original cost was far less—only $0.35 earlier in the day, according to the New York Times. The piece, which first debuted at Art Basel in Miami in 2019, instantly became a viral sensation, igniting debates about the nature of art and what constitutes true value in the art world.
Cattelan’s Comedian is not about the banana itself, but about the concept and the certificate of authenticity that comes with the installation. Buyers are not purchasing the fruit but rather the right to replace it with a new banana whenever it rots. The fruit has already been eaten twice since its initial unveiling, and the museum has replaced it both times without further incident. The banana was even removed by a performance artist during an Art Basel exhibition after the artwork sold for $120,000.
The work has sparked controversy and curiosity since its inception, with critics questioning its meaning and value. The installation, which includes clear instructions on how to replace the banana, challenges traditional notions of permanence and ownership in the art world.
For Sun, a figure who is no stranger to high-profile ventures in the cryptocurrency world, this latest acquisition adds another layer to his collection.
However, his name has also been linked to legal controversies. Last year, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) accused Sun of fraud, alleging that he inflated trading volumes of the TRX cryptocurrency token. Sun has denied these charges.
Cattelan, known for his provocative and often controversial works, has once again turned the art world on its head with Comedian.
While some see it as a statement on the absurdity of the modern art market, others view it as a biting commentary on the commodification of culture. Whatever its interpretation, the sale of this unusual piece has captured the attention of art collectors and critics alike, raising questions about how we value art—and whether the boundary between high art and performance is now more blurred than ever.
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Picture: @Sotheby’s/X
