That Viral Duct-Taped Banana Just Sold for $6.2 Million
Maurizio Cattelan’s viral duct-taped banana, "Comedian," sold to crypto mogul Justin Sun at Sotheby’s.
Remember that viral banana duct-taped to a wall? It just sold at auction at Sotheby's in New York City for an astonishing $6.2 million.
The piece was originally created by Italian artist Maurizio Cattelan and titled "Comedian." Bidding kicked off at $800,000. Several bidders made an attempt at the piece that was estimated to sell for closer to $1 million. But crypto entrepreneur Justin Sun scored the highest offer Wednesday evening on November 20, taking home the viral Cattelan work. He said his newest possession "represents a cultural phenomenon that bridges the worlds of art, memes, and the cryptocurrency community" in a statement.
When the original piece debuted in 2019 at Art Basel Miami (where it debuted three editions selling for $120,000 to $150,000 each), the crowd was unsure if it was some kind of prank. The piece made waves online for its absurdity. Many wondered how the fruit simply taped to the wall could be called art. This discourse seems to be part of Cattelan's intention. He welcomes the owner of the piece to replace the banana whenever necessary... or they can just let it rot. Sun plans to nosh on his $6.2 million purchase.
"We are looking at an ordinary banana and an ordinary piece of duct tape. However, what makes the ordinary extraordinary is the intention of the artist who put this together," Sotheby's Head of Contemporary Art David Galperin told the New York Times.
This sale has reignited debates about art’s commercialization and the spectacle-driven nature of the market. While some argue that "Comedian" epitomizes the commodification of art, others see it as a satirical commentary on consumerism and the absurdities of modern life. Whether revered or ridiculed, this $6.2 million fruit ensures that the conversation surrounding it—and the questions it raises—will not spoil anytime soon.
