“Comedian” a conceptual artwork featuring a banana sells for 6.2 Million dollars at Sotheby’s Auction on November 20th, 2024. The bidding for this peice started at $800,000 then quickly surged to $4 million. Shortly after, it went up again to $5.2 million, plus another million in auction fees. The final price surpassed the $1.2 million estimate for the artwork.
Created by Italian artist, Maurizo Cattlean, “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.
Due to its immense popularity, “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.
Regardless, Chinese-born entrepreneur Justin Sun paid over 40 times the highest original price for “Comedian“ on November 20. 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.” The certificate also came with 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.
Cites: DOGO News
