A banana purchased for 35 cents and duct-taped to a wall transformed into a multimillion-dollar artwork when it sold for $6.2 million at Sotheby’s auction this week. The piece, titled Comedian by Maurizio Cattelan, is a conceptual artwork that includes a real banana, duct tape, a certificate of authenticity, and instructions for replacing the fruit when it decays. The sale exemplifies the extremes of the art market and highlights Cattelan’s satirical approach to its extravagance.
First exhibited at Art Basel Miami Beach in 2019, Comedian made headlines when a performance artist ate one of its editions. At that time, three versions of the work sold for $120,000 to $150,000 each. The latest auction began with a bid of $800,000 before reaching its record-breaking sale price. The duct tape, an integral part of the artwork’s concept, remains a curious and understated element compared to the fame of the banana itself.
The new owner, Justin Sun, is a cryptocurrency entrepreneur who is currently embroiled in legal issues with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), along with celebrities like Lindsay Lohan and Akon. Sun announced plans to eat the banana as a performative gesture, recognizing its place in both art history and popular culture. This move echoes the provocative and ephemeral nature of Cattelan’s work, ensuring its continued status as a conversation piece.
Another bidder at the auction reportedly intended to present the banana to Elon Musk, further demonstrating the blend of satire, spectacle, and celebrity that defines Comedian. Cattelan’s art frequently courts controversy and attention, such as his 2016 installation of a functional golden toilet at the Guggenheim Museum. His works challenge traditional notions of value and permanence in art.
The sale of Comedian underscores the intersections of art, consumerism, and performance. By elevating an ordinary object to such extreme monetary and cultural heights, Cattelan continues to provoke dialogue about the absurdities and possibilities within contemporary art.