Banana Duct-Taped to Wall Sold for P350M
A banana duct-taped to a wall sold for a jaw-dropping $6.2 million at a Sotheby’s auction in New York on Wednesday (November 20, 2024).
The artwork, titled Comedian, was created by Italian artist Maurizio Cattelan and quickly grabbed the spotlight. Initially expected to sell for around $1.5 million, the bidding took off as seven participants vied for the piece, with the final bid coming from Justin Sun, a Chinese cryptocurrency entrepreneur.
The unusual artwork, which first appeared at Art Basel Miami Beach in 2019, made waves for its simplicity: just a banana and duct tape. However, it wasn’t just the banana that drew attention, it became an internet sensation and sparked debates online.
People questioned if it was really art, or just a prank. Critics, however, pointed out that the piece was a statement on the art world’s sometimes absurd value system.
Sun, who now owns the banana artwork, sees it as more than just a fruit stuck to a wall. For him, it’s a representation of a cultural phenomenon that connects art, memes, and the cryptocurrency world.
Catteplan also plans to eat the banana as part of his artistic experience, which adds another layer to the piece’s humor.
Along with the artwork, Sun received a certificate of authenticity and instructions on how to replace the banana when it eventually rots or gets eaten.
“Imagine the change of perception created by the way it was received by the audience,” Emmanuel Perrotin, founder of Perrotin said.
While it might sound absurd, Comedian has certainly made a lasting impression on the art scene, challenging traditional views on what constitutes valuable art and how it’s perceived.
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