By Elia Lopez
Nov 21, 2024, 17:56 PM EST
There is no doubt that in art there is nothing written and as a sample we have the work “Comedian”which is causing a sensation in the art world and on social networks, since it is about a banana taped to the wall.
But the controversy is not only because this conceptual art is the piece itself, but it was auctioned by 6.2 million dollars.
The creator of “Comedian” is the Italian artist Maurizio Cattelan and was sold through the New York-based auction house Sotheby’s.
Who bought “Comedian”?
Despite the controversy over this piece of conceptual and ephemeral artcreated with a banana stuck to the wall, with adhesive tape, its buyer did not hesitate to reveal his identity, and it is the businessman of Chinese origin, Justin Sun, founder of the Tron cryptocurrency platform, Sotheby’s auction house revealed.
Sun won the bid against seven other participants in the auction organized by Sotheby’s on Wednesday night.
“Comedian” exceeded expectations
Although for those who do not know art, it may be a simple banana stuck to the wall, the art of Maurizio Cattelan It stole the show at the Sotheby’s auction, as its price went from $800,000 to $5.2 million, plus commissions, giving a sum of $6.2 million.
Exceeding the expectations that estimated that the work “Comedian” would reach 1.2 million dollars:
Cattelan’s work has become a media phenomenon, increasing its initial value fifty-fold, from the $120,000 paid for its debut at the Art Basel Miami Beach exhibition in 2019.
“This is not just art. It represents a cultural phenomenon that creates bridges between the worlds of artte, memes and the cryptocurrency community,” said the Chinese businessman who won the auction and took home the work “Comedian.”
Justin Sunpromised to eat “the banana as part of this unique artistic experience, honoring its place in both art history and popular culture.”
Certificate of authenticity
The purchase includes not only the banana and the tape, but also a certificate of authenticity and a set of detailed instructions for installation, including guidelines on how to replace the fruit when necessary.
The Chinese businessman also won an auction in the past and took home the sculpture “The Nose,” by Swiss artist Alberto Giacometti, for which he paid $78.4 million.
Keep reading:
–New York’s Fifth Avenue loses the title of the most expensive street in the world
–Buying gold at Costco and other retailers: advantages and disadvantages
–Black Friday: Walmart gaming desk drops from $200 to $60
–The 8 Dollar Tree products you should buy