Duct-Taped Banana "Art" Sells For Over $6 Million!
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"Comedian," a conceptual artwork featuring a banana duct-taped to a wall, fetched an astounding $6.2 million at a Sotheby’s auction on November 20, 2024. Bidding began at $800,000 and quickly surged to $4 million and then $5.2 million, plus $1 million in auction fees. The final price surpassed the $1.2 million pre-auction estimate for the artwork.
Created by Italian artist Maurizio Cattelan, "Comedian" sparked widespread controversy when it debuted at Miami's Art Basel in 2019. Cattelan explained that the piece explored how society assigns value to everyday objects. He had initially thought of crafting a banana using resin or bronze. However, the artist ultimately chose a real banana to convey his message. The artwork gained even more fame after a visitor ate the banana, forcing officials to replace it with a backup.
Its immense popularity drew large crowds. Concerned the visitors might damage other artworks"Comedian" was eventually removed from public display. However, three editions of the artwork were sold at the time for prices ranging from $120,000 to $150,000 each. One of these was later donated to the Guggenheim Museum in New York City. It remains unclear which edition was auctioned on November 20.
Regardless, five years later, Chinese-born entrepreneur Justin Sun paid over 40 times the highest original price for "Comedian". The artwork's value was not in the banana itself, which had been purchased earlier that day for just 35 cents. Instead, its worth lies in the certificate of authenticity. It grants Sun the right to duct tape a banana to a wall and call it "Comedian." He also received installation instructions, including how to replace the fruit whenever it rots.
Sun said. "[The artwork] represents a cultural phenomenon that bridges the worlds of art, memes, and the cryptocurrency community."
"Additionally, 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 remarked.
Sun made good on this promise by devouring the fruit in a press conference held in Hong Kong on November 29, 2024.
“It’s much better than other bananas,” Sun told reporters. “It’s really quite good.”
Since the sale, a kind Samaritan has helped raise over $19,000 to support the New York fruit vendor whose banana was used in the auction.
Resources: NPR.org, Smithsonianmag.com, CNN.com
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98 Comments
porg1314 dayswouldn't the banana just mold though
kyromoreno113 daysThey replace it every 7-10 days.
bca65479914 dayswhy whould you buy a banana for 6 million when you can just go to the store and buy one?
jaxatax533514 daysi dont think bro is good wit money
- thc52418214 daysI wish I had that banana
myfugiboreke14 daysI came across a YouTube short that showcased a canvas labeled “Modern Art.” This massive 20 by 20-inch piece, entirely coated in blue paint, is absurdly priced at a staggering 5.5 million dollars! It’s clear that modern art is becoming completely outrageous.
gamergeek14 daysTalk About Inflation!... 6 Mil For A Banana!... LOL
vegykiralory15 daysWell this is insane but the reporter said it resembles "a cultural phenomenon that bridges the worlds of art, memes, and the cryptocurrency community". Why, I think the artist had nothing in mind but bananas. A kid can do that (if she or he what they were doing).
goldendoodlemom15 daysHey guys what are you eating for an afternoon snack. Oh, just a 6 million dollar banana.- goldendoodlemom15 daysIts hilarious. Most bananas are .26 cense at the store. Nah, this dude paid millions.
giraffecatthe3d15 daysBruh… HOW IS THAT EVEN CALLED “ART”
ellie271015 dayshey guys, we can all be millionares. Tape a banana to a wall with red tape put a dash of paint on it, put it on insta and millions of dollars come pouring in lol
