Cryptocurrency mogul Justin Sun made headlines this week after purchasing a duct-taped banana for $6.2 million at a Sotheby’s auction in New York City.
The artwork, titled Comedian, is the creation of Italian artist and satirist Maurizio Cattelan and has become a viral cultural phenomenon since its debut.
Sun, the founder of cryptocurrency platform TRON, battled six other bidders before sealing the deal—paying for the artwork in crypto, naturally.
I’m thrilled to announce that I’ve bought the banana🍌 !!! @SpaceX @Sothebys I am Justin Sun, and I’m excited to share that I have successfully acquired Maurizio Cattelan’s iconic work, Comedian for $6.2 million. This is not just an artwork; it represents a cultural phenomenon… pic.twitter.com/lAj1RE6y0C
— H.E. Justin Sun 🍌 (@justinsuntron) November 21, 2024
“I believe this piece will inspire more thought and discussion in the future and will become a part of history,” Sun said in a statement on X (formerly Twitter). “I am honored to be the proud owner of this iconic work and look forward to it sparking further inspiration and impact for art enthusiasts around the world.”
Sun also announced plans to eat the banana as part of an artistic performance. “In the coming days, 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.
The $6.2 million price tag doesn’t just include the banana, which will inevitably rot. Instead, Sun’s purchase includes a roll of duct tape, detailed instructions for installing a banana on a wall, and a certificate of authenticity that grants the right to recreate the artwork as an original Cattelan. The true value lies in the certificate, making the artwork similar in concept to an NFT—a likely draw for Sun, a prominent figure in the crypto community.
“This is not just an artwork; it represents a cultural phenomenon that bridges the worlds of art, memes, and the cryptocurrency community,” Sun said.
Cattelan’s Comedian first went viral at Art Basel Miami in 2019, where it was initially priced at $120,000. Crowds flocked to see the absurd piece, forcing organizers to remove it. Three editions of Comedian were created, with one acquired by the Guggenheim Collection and two sold to private collectors.
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