$6.2M for a Duct-Taped Banana: Has the Buyer of Maurizio Cattelan’s Artwork Slipped Up?
Updated: Nov 24
A banana duct-taped to a wall might seem like an odd centerpiece at an art auction. Yet Italian artist Maurizio Cattelan’s provocative piece Comedian fetched an astonishing $6.2 million at Sotheby’s in New York.
The buyer, cryptocurrency entrepreneur Justin Sun, paid a total of $6.24 million after fees, sparking both intrigue and incredulity in the art world and beyond.
The Rise of Comedian
Debuting at Art Basel Miami Beach in 2019, Comedian quickly became a cultural phenomenon. Its simple presentation—a banana taped to a white wall with silver duct tape—was as absurd as it was thought-provoking. Was it a joke, a critique of art-world excess, or both? Cattelan himself described the work as a commentary on value and the art market's commodification.
The work’s fame escalated when performance artist David Datuna ate one of the original bananas on display, calling it an act of hunger and satire. Despite its temporary disappearance after the incident, the piece lived on in public consciousness, becoming a meme and sparking debate about the meaning of art.
What Did Justin Sun Buy?
Sun’s purchase wasn't just for the banana—bought earlier that day for 35 cents—or the duct tape. It included a certificate of authenticity, installation instructions, and the concept itself. According to the art dealer Emmanuel Perrotin, this certificate is the work's true value, granting Sun the unique right to exhibit Comedian as Cattelan’s creation.
But Sun doesn’t own the concept exclusively. Two other editions of the work exist, making this purchase one of three authorized versions. Sun, however, plans to eat the banana soon, stating that doing so will honor its role in art history and popular culture.
An Expensive Joke or a Smart Investment?
At first glance, paying millions for a piece of fruit might seem ludicrous. Yet art market experts suggest the purchase is less about the object and more about its cultural impact. Melanie Gerlis, author of The Art Fair Story, argues that Sun bought not just an artwork but the narrative, the publicity, and a place in art history.
“This is a provocation,” said Matthew Slotover, co-founder of the Frieze art fair. “It’s ridiculous, but it’s also deeply conceptual—a critique of the very market that supports it.”
Cattelan, known for his irreverent works, has a history of turning everyday objects into commentary. His previous creation, America, a solid gold toilet, caused a similar stir and was even offered to Donald Trump’s White House by the Guggenheim.
A Market Defying Logic
The sale of Comedian highlights the unpredictable nature of the art market, where value often transcends physical materials. This week also saw a record-breaking sale for René Magritte’s The Empire of Light, which fetched $121.2 million at Christie’s. Both events underscore how art, no matter how unconventional, continues to captivate audiences and redefine cultural boundaries.
For Justin Sun, the duct-taped banana is more than a purchase; it’s a statement. Whether his investment will appreciate in value or remain a cultural oddity is yet to be seen, but one thing is certain: the conversation around Comedian—and the audacity of modern art—won’t be ending anytime soon.