Tron founder Justin Sun has paid $6.24 million, including fees, for Maurizio Cattelan’s infamous and controversial duct-taped banana exhibit.
Some things in life appear to be stranger than fiction and this art piece falls into that category. At first glance, it appears to be no more than a yellow fruit and some sticky adhesive and well, that’s it.
Initial estimates for the feature were listed between $1 – 1.5 million, but that figure was smashed by the viral sensation on Wednesday evening at Sotheby’s New York.
One of three editions of the 2019 art, known as Comedian, was listed for its auction debut, with cryptocurrency accepted at the renowned multinational broker house.
#AuctionUpdate: Maurizio Cattelan’s iconoclastic 'Comedian' has captivated the world once again—this time in the #SothebysNewYork salesroom. The world’s most notorious banana just sold for $6.2M. #SothebysNOW pic.twitter.com/6bOSz0k5b0
— Sotheby's (@Sothebys) November 21, 2024
‘Comedian’ described as a cultural phenomenon
Bidding for the piece commenced at $800,000, quickly surpassing the early estimate figures, adding to the eccentricity of the overall story.
The bids were flowing at the Upper East Side location, within the room in person, online, and over the phone.
Jen Hua from Sotheby’s China office placed the winning offer on behalf of Sun, whose Tron company was recently targeted by the Angel X drainer, with the China-born crypto figure now primed to receive a banana and a roll of duct tape, as well as some guidance on how to display the distinguished piece.
A certificate of authenticity will also be issued, as well as instructions on how to replace the feature. It is a banana after all!
Sun declared on X, “This is not just an artwork; it represents a cultural phenomenon that bridges the worlds of art, memes, and the cryptocurrency community.”
He added it will become a part of history, with plans to consume the banana as part of the collective experience.
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
Image credit: Via Midjourney
