A piece of conceptual art, titled Comedian by Italian artist Maurizio Cattelan, has sold for a staggering $6.2 million at a Sotheby’s auction in New York. The artwork, which consists of a banana duct-taped to a wall, was purchased by Justin Sun, a prominent cryptocurrency entrepreneur. Sun plans to eat the banana as part of the unique artistic experience, honoring its place in both art history and popular culture.
The artwork first debuted at Art Basel Miami Beach in 2019 and quickly became a sensation. The piece was so popular that it had to be removed from view due to the large crowds it attracted. Despite its simplicity, the artwork has sparked debates about the value and meaning of art.
Sun’s purchase includes a certificate of authenticity and specific instructions from Cattelan on how to display the work. The winning bid far exceeded Sotheby’s initial estimate of $1 million to $1.5 million. The auction house confirmed that Sun will pay for the artwork in cryptocurrency, though it did not specify which one.
Comedian “represents a cultural phenomenon that bridges the worlds of art, memes, and the cryptocurrency community,” Sun said in a statement through Sotheby’s. “I believe this piece will inspire more thought and discussion in the future and will become a part of history.”
This is not the first time Comedian has been sold. In 2019, three editions of the work were sold for between $120,000 and $150,000 at Art Basel Miami Beach.
One of these editions has since been acquired by the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum.
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