A banana taped to a wall, titled Comedian by renowned Italian artist Maurizio Cattelan, was sold for a staggering $6.2 million at a Sotheby’s auction in New York. The buyer, Justin Sun, cryptocurrency entrepreneur and founder of the Tron blockchain, referred to the piece as a cultural milestone, stating, “It represents a phenomenon that connects art, memes, and cryptocurrency.”
Initially introduced at Art Basel Miami Beach in 2019, Comedian stirred debates about the definition of art. The banana installation, priced at $120,000 during its debut, symbolized Cattelan’s provocative exploration of societal norms.
A Historic Sale
The auction attracted seven bidders and surpassed Sotheby’s estimated guide price of $1-1.5 million. The $6.2 million sale included not only the artwork but also a certificate of authenticity and guidelines on replacing the fruit, ensuring its conceptual integrity despite the banana’s perishability.
Sun, however, has a unique plan for his newly acquired artwork. “In the coming days, I will personally eat the banana as part of this unique artistic experience, honoring its place in both art history and popular culture,” he announced.
From Gold Toilets to Iconic Bananas
This is not Cattelan’s first foray into unconventional art. The artist is also known for America, an 18-carat gold toilet that he once offered to Donald Trump during his presidency.
Comedian, which became infamous after performance artist David Datuna ate the original banana in 2019, continues to be a conversation starter in the art world. Sun’s purchase is expected to spark further debates about the intersection of art, value, and cultural impact.