Cattelan's Banana Fetches $6.2 Million at Auction

Cattelan's Banana Fetches $6.2 Million at Auction: What Will the Buyer Do With It?

Comedian, the iconic banana duct-taped to a wall, is Maurizio Cattelan's signature work and was recently purchased at auction by Chinese collector Justin Sun. The final price? A staggering $6.2 million.

Remember the banana taped to the wall? It's one of Maurizio Cattelan's most famous and controversial artworks, titled "Comedian," and has often been the subject of unique performances, such as the one by David Datuna who decided to peel and eat it, claiming the freedom to do as he pleased.

Auctioned by Sotheby's in New York a few weeks ago, it was purchased today by Chinese collector Justin Sun for $6.2 million: let's see what will happen to this controversial installation.

The Symbolic Meaning of Maurizio Cattelan's Banana

On November 20, 2024, Sotheby's New York concluded the sale of "Comedian," the symbol of Maurizio Cattelan's provocative art. It's a simple banana taped to a wall, but it hides a very particular symbolic meaning. The artist wanted to reflect on the excessive consumerism of contemporary society, where it seems that an economic value can be attributed to anything, even a common banana. However, Cattelan doesn't want to denounce the modern world but simply analyze it, carrying on the mission of pop art's predecessors.

Why Justin Sun Bought the Banana and What He Will Do With It

Today, that symbol of provocation and protest, initially valued at $1 million, was auctioned for $6.2 million, including commissions. Seven bidders competed in the Sotheby's Manhattan salesroom, but in the end, it was won by Justin Sun, a Chinese collector and founder of the cryptocurrency platform Tron, who followed the auction by phone through Sotheby's Vice President for Asia.

What will he do with it?

In a statement, the buyer explained: "I believe this artwork will inspire further reflection and discussion in the future and become part of history. I am honored to be the proud owner and hope it can inspire further inspiration and impact for art lovers around the world. Furthermore, 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."