Advertisement
News

$6.2 Million for a Banana: Cattelan’s “Comedian” Art Sold to Crypto Entrepreneur

Advertisement

A banana duct-taped to a wall—a divisive piece of conceptual art by Italian artist Maurizio Cattelan—was auctioned for an astonishing $6.2 million in New York on Wednesday. The buyer, Justin Sun, a Chinese-born cryptocurrency entrepreneur and founder of the Tron exchange, described the piece as a “cultural phenomenon.”

The artwork, titled Comedian, first grabbed global attention at the Art Basel show in Miami Beach in 2019, sparking debates over its legitimacy as art. The banana’s original price tag of $120,000 has since skyrocketed, with Sun declaring, “This is not just an artwork. It represents a cultural phenomenon that bridges the worlds of art, memes, and the cryptocurrency community.”

A Banana with a Certificate of Authenticity

Given the perishable nature of the banana, Sun has essentially purchased a certificate of authenticity and detailed instructions on how to replace the fruit. The duct tape and concept remain integral to its identity, making it more than just a physical object.

This sale marks the third iteration of Comedian. The first gained notoriety when performance artist David Datuna ate the banana at its Miami debut, calling it his contribution to the artwork. Sun has revealed his own plans to engage with the piece in a similar way. “In the coming days, I will personally eat the banana as part of this unique artistic experience,” he said, emphasizing its place in art history and popular culture.

The Sotheby’s auction featured seven bidders and smashed its $1–1.5 million guide price, signaling the art world’s ongoing fascination with Cattelan’s provocative work. According to Sotheby’s, the sale is more than a transaction; it’s a commentary on art, consumption, and the crossover between contemporary culture and finance.

Advertisement
Aarav Joshi

Aarav Joshi is a seasoned content writer with a passion for covering worldly and international news stories. His journey in journalism began as a reporter for the BBC, where he honed his skills in researching and crafting compelling narratives. He has also contributed articles to 'The Times of India,' one of India's leading newspapers, delving into diverse topics ranging from politics and economics to culture and human interest stories.

Recent Posts

BYD Reports Record-Breaking Revenue of RMB 777.1 billion in 2024

BYD released its 2024 financial report, with key indicators reaching record highs! The company achieved…

2 days ago

Eid in Dubai: All You Need to Know

Eid in Dubai is a time of joy, celebration, and togetherness, bringing a unique blend…

2 days ago

Bangladesh Deputy High Commission in Karachi Observes its National Day, Promotes Bilateral Ties

Bangladesh and Pakistan have been working for wider and stronger bilateral ties between the countries.…

2 days ago

Bank Alfalah introduces Pakistan’s First E-Commerce Shopping Platform AlfaMall on WhatsApp

Bank Alfalah, one of Pakistan’s leading commercial banks, has introduced AlfaMall on WhatsApp, bringing a…

2 days ago

K-Electric Reports Strong Industrial Uptake of Winter Demand Initiative

K-Electric (KE) has witnessed a positive industrial response to the Prime Minister’s Winter Demand Initiative,…

2 days ago

Karachi: Couple Killed in Tragic Hit-and-Run on Karsaz Road

Karachi witnessed yet another devastating road accident as a speeding car struck a motorcycle on…

3 days ago