November 21st 2024.
In 2019, the art world was sent into a frenzy when a banana duct-taped to a wall sold for an astounding $120,000 US. The creation, titled "Comedian" and crafted by artist Maurizio Cattelan, sparked a heated debate about the meaning of art and caused a stir on social media. However, for one lucky collector, it has proven to be a smart investment. Recently, one of the three "editions" of the viral masterpiece sold at a Sotheby's auction in New York for a staggering $9.58 million, well above the estimated value of $1.5 million to $2.3 million.
During the auction, the crowd was abuzz as auctioneer Oliver Barker described the work as "iconic" and "disruptive". He even joked about the unusual task of selling a banana at an art auction, a phrase he never thought he would say. After the sale, it was revealed that Chinese collector and founder of a cryptocurrency platform, Justin Sun, was the winning bidder. In a press release, Sun stated that the banana symbolizes a cultural phenomenon that connects the worlds of art, memes, and cryptocurrency. He believes that it will continue to inspire thought and discussion in the future, and ultimately become a part of history.
The lucky buyer will receive not only the banana and a roll of duct tape, but also a certificate of authenticity and instructions for installing the artwork. However, prior to the sale, Sotheby's confirmed that neither the tape nor the banana are the original materials used in the creation. The spokesperson explained that "Comedian" is a conceptual artwork and the physical materials are replaced with each installation.
Cattelan and French art gallery Perrotin first made headlines with "Comedian" five years ago when they displayed it at the Art Basel Miami Beach fair with a price tag of six figures. The original banana was purchased from a Miami grocery store, but the gallery stated that it can be replaced according to the artist's instructions. The reaction to the artwork was divided, with some critics seeing it as a thought-provoking commentary on the value of art, while others viewed it as a joke.
At the fair, crowds gathered to see the viral installation and things took an unexpected turn when performance artist David Datuna grabbed the banana from the wall, peeled and ate it in front of shocked attendees. Despite defending his actions as a form of artistic performance, the installation was eventually removed due to safety concerns. However, all three editions were sold at the fair, with two being purchased by private collectors for $184,150 and the third being donated to The Guggenheim museum in New York.
In interviews, Cattelan has described "Comedian" as a work of commentary, not a joke. He sees it as a reflection on what society values. The Italian artist, known for his satirical pieces, did not respond to CNN's request for comment when the auction was announced. However, in a press release, Sotheby's head of contemporary art for the Americas, David Galperin, praised the artwork as a "defiant work of pure genius" that balances critical thought and wit. He also stated that putting the work up for auction allows the public to have a say in its true value, ultimately fulfilling the artwork's essential conceptual idea.
Although this was the first time "Comedian" appeared at auction, it was recently exhibited at the Leeum Museum of Art in Seoul, South Korea. In a similar incident to the one at Art Basel Miami Beach, an art student removed and ate the banana, citing hunger as the reason. The museum later replaced the eaten banana with a fresh one.
In light of the recent auction, Sun stated that he also plans to eat the banana as part of the unique artistic experience, honoring its place in both art history and popular culture. Sotheby's showcased the artwork in various cities around the world before the sale, further solidifying its impact and influence on the art world. "Comedian" may have started as a simple banana duct-taped to a wall, but it has become a cultural phenomenon that will continue to spark conversation and controversy for years to come.
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