Crypto Mogul Justin Sun Buys $6.2M Banana Artwork, Plans to Eat It
Crypto Investor Buys Duct-Taped Banana Artwork for $6.2 Million, Plans to Eat It
In a surprising turn of events at Sotheby’s New York auction, Maurizio Cattelan’s infamous “Comedian” artwork, featuring a banana duct-taped to a wall, has sold for a staggering $6.2 million. The buyer, cryptocurrency investor Justin Sun, has announced his intention to eat the banana as part of the artistic experience.
The controversial piece, which first made headlines at Art Basel Miami in 2019, has once again sparked debate in the art world. Previously consumed by performance artist David Datuna and a South Korean student, “Comedian” continues to challenge conventional notions of art and value.
The auction saw fierce competition among seven bidders, with the final price soaring to six times its initial estimate of $1 million. The winning bid includes a certificate of authenticity, installation instructions, a roll of tape, and one banana, which was reportedly purchased for just 35 cents.
Justin Sun, founder of the cryptocurrency platform TRON, views the artwork as a cultural phenomenon that bridges the gap between art, memes, and cryptocurrency. In a statement, Sun emphasized the piece’s potential to inspire thought and discussion across various communities.
“Comedian” is not Cattelan’s first brush with controversy. The Italian artist is also known for his wax figure of Adolf Hitler, titled “Him,” which sold for $17.2 million in 2016.
As news of the sale spreads, art enthusiasts, cultural critics, and cryptocurrency communities are eagerly awaiting Sun’s next move. The investor’s plan to consume the banana adds yet another layer to the ongoing narrative surrounding this unconventional artwork.
At the time of reporting, Sun’s representatives had not provided additional comments on the purchase or the planned consumption of the piece.
