In this post, I offer my thoughts on Sotheby’s selling a banana duct taped to a wall for $6.2 million – all in the name of conceptual art.

Don’t know what to do with that extra $6.2 million you have stuffed in your mattress? It wasn’t a problem for cryptocurrency entrepreneur Justin Sun, who paid that amount for a “fresh banana taped to a wall – a provocative work of conceptual art by Italian artist Maurizio Cattelan.” ¹ The piece, entitled Comedian, was originally priced at $120,000 in 2019, and its debut five years ago resulted in controversy and questions about the definition of art. 

That is exactly what Cattelan intended. Described as humorous and provocative in his work, he created Comedian to criticize the speculative nature of the art market and its failure to assist artists. He previously produced an 18-carat gold and fully operational toilet, as well as a sculpture of a meteor striking the Pope. Bananas and toilets, not to mention religion, are sure to get the art world all stirred up. In fact, The New York Post described the original asking price for Comedian in 2019 as solid proof the art market was “bananas” and the art world has “gone mad.” ²

Since Cattelan has a motive behind his artwork, perhaps this story is more about the buyer, Justin Sun, who has more than made a big splash with his extravagant expenditure to buy an inexpensive piece of fruit and some duct tape. In a statement provided by Sotheby’s, Sun said, “This is not just an artwork. It represents a cultural phenomenon that bridges the worlds of art, memes, and the cryptocurrency community. I believe this piece will inspire more thought and discussion in the future and will become a part of history.” ³

Okay, we can agree to disagree. But if that is the case, Sun better be sure to replace the banana with a new one at regular intervals. Otherwise, it will be a commentary on rotten fruit rather than the purpose, meaning, and importance of true art. “I will personally eat the banana as part of this unique artistic experience, honoring its place in both art history and popular culture,” he said. ⁴

I think he should have made banana bread.

So, why do I think Sun has some additional purpose in mind? The art collector and founder of crypto-money exchange Tron, he was charged in 2023 by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission for “alleged market manipulation and unregistered sales of crypto assets.” ⁵

I appreciate art when it is something I cannot do myself. Looking at a beautiful Rembrandt painting reminds me I am pretty good at drawing Snoopy and other cartoon characters. I stood for quite a while at the Getty Museum in California, amazed at Rembrandt’s exceptional talent. But this? I’m reasonably certain I can go shopping, buy a banana and some adhesive, find a nearby wall, and voila! 

I am not, though, the artist in the family. That title goes to my niece, Leigh Ann Lauderbaugh, whose talent and creativity are exceptional. You can view her artwork, follow, and connect with her at https://www.linkedin.com/in/leigh-ann-lauderbaugh-7135a8218/ on LinkedIn. 

REMEMBER…

◊ As 19^th-century author Margaret Wolfe Hungerford said, “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.”

◊ Visit www.davidajolley.com for additional blog posts and other interesting content.

1,  www.newsmax.com, Banana Taped to a Wall Sells for $6.2M at Sotheby’s, November 21, 2024.
2, The New York Post, 2019.
3, Sotheby’s Statement, November 20, 2024.
4, www.newsmax.com
5, www.newsmax.com