FAST DOWNLOAD
In recent days, the controversial artwork of the banana stuck to the wall, which consists of a real fruit held together with adhesive tape and created by artist Mauricio Cattelan in 2019, has become a trending topic on social media, after the artwork was auctioned for a million-dollar sum of 6.2 million dollars , which has captured the attention of many Internet users.
The banana stuck on the wall titled “Comedian” was auctioned again this Wednesday, November 20, 2024 at the Sotheby’s home fair in New York, United States.
Justin Sun , a cryptocurrency entrepreneur of Chinese origin, obtained the particular work for the amount of 6.24 million dollars. Justin will receive, along with the simple fruit and the adhesive tape, a certificate of authenticity.
What does the banana stuck on the wall mean?
Due to the huge sum for which the work was obtained, many Internet users have questioned its meaning and origin. The first time the work was exhibited was at Art Basel Miami in 2019 and it consisted of a real banana attached to the wall with adhesive tape.
The work sold for $120,000 , sparking a media stir and debates about the value and meaning of contemporary art. According to media reports, the banana was replaced several times and at one point, another artist, David Datuna, peeled it off and ate it, calling his act “Hungry Artist.”
The meaning of the banana on the wall is interpreted as a critique of the art market and consumer society, questioning what is considered art and how it is valued. Many see the work as a joke or a provocation, while others consider it a reflection between nature and art.
History and purchase of the work “Comedian”
Bidding for the work started at $800,000, but only five minutes had passed before Chinese businessman Justin Sun made the winning bid, beating out six other rivals.
Sun said in a statement that Cattelan’s work “represents a cultural phenomenon that bridges the worlds of art, memes and the cryptocurrency community.”
The businessman, who attended the auction from Hong Kong, added that “in the coming days, I will personally eat the banana as part of this unique artistic experience , honouring its place in both art history and popular culture.”
After the auction, Internet users on social media expressed multiple reactions, including disbelief and mockery, creating numerous memes and sarcastic comments about the value of contemporary art.
