In a sale that perfectly captures the blend of art, absurdity, and spectacle, Maurizio Cattelan’s famous “Comedian” – a banana taped to a wall – sold for an astonishing $6.2 million at Sotheby’s in New York. The buyer? Justin Sun, a Chinese-born cryptocurrency entrepreneur and founder of the blockchain platform TRON, who outbid others in a nail-biting six-minute auction.
This piece, an editioned artwork from 2019 that first gained attention at Art Basel Miami Beach, was previously sold for just $120,000. Now, it has reached legendary status in the art world, representing the contemporary era’s preference for spectacle over substance.
The Artwork That Sparked a Global Conversation
“Comedian” is striking in its simplicity—a banana attached to a wall with duct tape. Its debut in 2019 went viral, prompting onlookers and critics to ask: Is this really art? Despite the doubts, the artwork has continued to serve as a potent symbol of satire, consumerism, and the absurdity of modern art.
When asked about his purchase, Sun remarked:
“It’s not just a banana. It’s a statement—one that combines humor, creativity, and commentary on our society today. I’m excited to be its new custodian.”
The Road to a $6.2 Million Sale
Originally estimated to sell for $1–$1.5 million, “Comedian” quickly exceeded expectations, with intense bidding reflecting its cultural importance. Art adviser Rob Teeters summed up the sentiment before the sale, describing it as:
“A perfect representation of the times we’re living in. It celebrates the absurdity of the art market while questioning its very foundations.”
The original edition included three works plus two artist’s proofs. Of the three, one is now part of the Guggenheim Museum’s collection, while the others are owned by private collectors.
