Key Points
- Crypto entrepreneur Justin Sun purchased Maurizio Cattelan’s infamous banana-and-duct-tape artwork “Comedian” for $6.2 million at Sotheby’s, announcing plans to eat the banana as performance art.
- The artwork, created in 2019, is number 2 from an edition of 3 plus 2 artist’s proofs, consisting of a real banana taped to a wall with duct tape.
Historic Purchase and Performance Plans
Justin Sun, known for his involvement in the cryptocurrency space, has acquired Maurizio Cattelan’s controversial artwork “Comedian” through Sotheby’s for $6.2 million. The piece consists simply of a banana attached to a wall with duct tape. Sun announced his intention to consume the banana component of the artwork as part of what he describes as a “unique artistic experience.”
Artwork Specifications and History
“Comedian” was executed in 2019 by Italian artist Maurizio Cattelan, born in 1960. The piece’s formal dimensions are 20 by 20 by 5 centimeters (7 ⅞ by 7 ⅞ by 2 inches), though installation dimensions can vary. The version acquired by Sun is number 2 from a limited edition of 3, plus two artist’s proofs.
Cultural Impact and Significance
The artwork represents a convergence of traditional art, internet meme culture, and the cryptocurrency community. Sun expressed his belief that the piece will continue to generate discussion and maintain historical significance. The purchase demonstrates the ongoing dialogue between contemporary art and digital culture, with Sun’s planned consumption of the banana adding another layer to the artwork’s performative nature.
