A sculpture of a duct-taped banana was sold at Sotheby’s Wednesday night for a whopping $6.2 million.
Tron founder Justin Sun announced he was the buyer of the sculpture on X shortly after.
“This is not just an artwork," Sun posted on X. "It represents a cultural phenomenon that bridges the worlds of art, memes, and the cryptocurrency community. I believe this piece will inspire more thought and discussion in the future and will become a part of history”
I’m thrilled to announce that I’ve bought the banana???? !!! @SpaceX @Sothebys I am Justin Sun, and I’m excited to share that I have successfully acquired Maurizio Cattelan’s iconic work, Comedian for $6.2 million. This is not just an artwork; it represents a cultural phenomenon… pic.twitter.com/lAj1RE6y0C
— H.E. Justin Sun ???? (@justinsuntron) November 21, 2024
The artwork, titled “Comedian,” was first unveiled by artist Maurizio Cattelan at Art Basel in December 2019, sparking debate around the world of the meaning and significance (or lack thereof) of modern art.
Created as an edition of three, with two artists’ proofs, the work sold originally in 2019 for as much as $120,000. At the time, the sale landed on the cover of the New York Post’s Page Six, along with the headline “BANANAS! Art world gone mad — this duct-taped fruit sold for $120K.”
While many scoffed, its artist didn’t see it as a joke, telling The Art Newspaper in 2021 that “it was a sincere commentary and a reflection on what we value.” He went on to explain, “If I had to be at a fair, I could sell a banana like others sell their paintings. I could play within the system, but with my rules."
Regardless of how one views the sculpture — as a prime example of the absurdity of modern art, or a serious example of artistic commentary — there’s little doubt as to the attention the sculpture attracted when first sold, and now, after earning a $6.2 million purchase, that scrutiny, good or bad, will surely skyrocket.
The item will never sell again though, as Sun stated he will eat the banana.