Banana Duct-Taped to Wall Sells for $6.2 Million at Sotheby’s Auction
A banana affixed to a wall, part of Maurizio Cattelan’s controversial installation titled “Comedian,” was sold for an impressive $6.2 million at a Sotheby’s auction in New York, as reported by the BBC. This selling price far exceeded the initial pre-auction estimate, achieving four times its anticipated value.
The auction was won by Chinese cryptocurrency tycoon Justin Sun, who successfully outbid six other participants to acquire the piece. Following the auction, Sun declared, “In the coming days, I will personally eat the banana as part of this unique artistic experience.”
According to CNN, the sale is indicative of a revitalized enthusiasm for high-end art auctions. After experiencing a notable 27% decline in 2023, the art market is witnessing renewed vigor, with over 1,600 lots from auction houses like Sotheby’s, Phillips, and Christie’s expected to collectively bring in over $1 billion this November. This resurgence appears to align with rising confidence among affluent collectors, which may be linked to specific political and economic developments, including the anticipated re-election of President Donald Trump and his expected pro-business initiatives.
Art advisor Alex Glauber mentioned that Trump’s potential second term could elevate demand within the art sector due to his policies favoring the wealthy, which could lead to increased investments in alternative assets such as art. “The economic policies that disproportionately benefit the wealthy should catalyze demand on both the primary market for emerging talent and the secondary market for more established and branded artists,” Glauber stated to CNN.
However, some skeptics contend that tax reductions and lower interest rates—likely policies to continue under the Trump administration—may have limited influence on the ultra-wealthy, who are already predominant in the art market.
The BBC highlights that the artwork, which was originally acquired for a mere $0.35, has ignited fervent discussions about the very definition of art since it was first showcased in 2019. The installation includes guidelines for replacing the banana once it spoils, a nuance that has contributed to its notoriety and debate. Over the years, the banana has been consumed on at least two occasions: once by a South Korean art student in 2023 during its display at the Leeum Museum of Art in Seoul, which subsequently lead the museum to replace it.
A similar incident occurred in 2019 during Art Basel in Miami when a performance artist ate the banana, which had just been sold for $120,000. The piece was restored shortly thereafter without repercussions.
Justin Sun, who operates the Tron blockchain network, has previously faced allegations of fraud from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, which accused him of artificially inflating cryptocurrency trading volumes—a claim Sun has denied.
Cattelan’s “Comedian” continues to captivate public attention, challenging conventional views on what can be considered art and pushing the envelope on artistic expression.
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