A banana attached to a wall with duct tape has redefined the boundaries of art and value, selling for an incredible $6.2 million at an incredible price. Sotheby’s auctions in New York. The piece Comedian, created by the Italian artist Maurizio Cattelánwas purchased by a cryptocurrency entrepreneur Justin Sunwho sees it as more than just a fruit: it is a symbol of cultural dialogue linking art, memes and digital innovation.
Although the banana itself inevitably rots, its true value lies in the certificate of authenticity that allows it to be recreated as an original work of art. Additionally, Sun plans to eat the banana as an artistic experience, ensuring that this multi-million dollar purchase remains a unique moment in art history.

Justin Sun’s Daring Plan: Eating ‘Comedian’ as Part of the Experiment

The yellow banana stuck on a wall sparked debates on art, value and perception after it sold for a staggering $6.2 million (Rs 52.35 crore) at an auction from Sotheby’s in New York. Created by Italian artist Maurizio Cattelan, the comedian sparked intense bidding before the cryptocurrency entrepreneur. Justin Sunfounder of TRON, made the final purchase.
Bidding started at $800,000, with the final price reaching $5.2 million, plus $1 million in auction fees. Sun chose to pay in cryptocurrency, adding a modern touch to the event. Not only that, but Sun plans to eat the banana as part of what he describes as “a unique artistic experience.” However, because bananas decompose, his multi-million dollar purchase does not include the fruit itself but relies on the accompanying certificate, which is the true source of the artwork’s value.

David Galperin, head of contemporary art at Sotheby’s, explained: “What you are buying is not the banana itself but a certificate of authenticity authorizing the owner to recreate the work of art. »

The NFT parallel: art meets digital property

For Sun, founder of cryptocurrency platform TRON, the artwork’s resemblance to an NFT – a digital asset tied to authenticity and ownership – likely added to its appeal. He called it “a cultural phenomenon connecting art, memes and the cryptocurrency community.”
The comedian first made a splash at Art Basel Miami in 2019, where his price tag was $120,000. The concept of the banana on a wall went viral, sparking global intrigue before the exhibit was removed due to overwhelming crowds. Today, it remains a symbol of modern art’s capacity to spark debate and curiosity.

Maurizio Cattelan: the artist behind a $6.2 million comedy

Maurizio Cattelan, the creator of Comedian, is also known for his other provocative works like America (an 18-karat gold toilet) and La Nona Ora (a sculpture of Pope John Paul II struck by a meteorite). Cattelan continues to challenge traditional notions of art. The comedian disrupts ideas of value and permanence, encouraging viewers to think about the evolving role of art in an era dominated by viral trends and fleeting moments.
Read also | A yellow banana stuck on a wall turns into a Rs 50 crore work of art: why Maurizio Cattelan’s ‘Comedian’ stunned the art world