NEW YORK — A single banana usually costs just over 20 cents. A roll of duct tape might cost around $5.
But put them together just right? Then you’re looking at $6.2 million.
A banana taped to a wall by Italian artist Maurizio Cattelan sold Wednesday for that outrageous sum during an auction at Sotheby’s, according to reports. The work is titled “Comedian.” The banana is taped to the wall “exactly” 160 centimeters from the floor.
According to the Sotheby’s website, “Comedian” debuted in December 2019 in Miami Beach and was expected to sell for between $1 million and $1.5 million. Needless to say Wednesday’s auction far exceeded expectations.
“‘Comedian’ belongs to the rare league of artworks that need no introduction, having quickly erupted into a viral global sensation that drew record crowds, social media inundation, landed the cover of The New York Post, and divided viewers and critics alike,” the Sotheby’s description reads. “Passionately debated, rhapsodically venerated, and hotly contested – and eaten not only once, but twice – the work headlined news stories shared around the world, becoming the most talked-about artwork of the century.”
Bidding started at $800,000 and within minutes shot up to $2 million, then $3 million, then $4 million, and higher, as the auctioneer, Oliver Barker, joked “Don’t let it slip away.” The final price was $5.2 million, which $1 million in auction house fees bringing the total price to $6.2 million.
Justin Sun, founder of cryptocurrency platform TRON, purchased the artwork, which actually is a certificate of authenticity that gives him the authority to duct-tape a banana to a wall and call it “Comedian.”
“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,” Sun said.
(The Associated Press contributed to this story.)