When Italian artist Maurizio Cattelan taped a banana to a wall in 2019 and sold it as an artwork titled Comedian, it sparked intense debate over the nature and value of contemporary art.
Banana is Replaced
Originally sold for $120,000 at Art Basel Miami, the piece is now returning to auction at Sotheby’s, where it’s expected to fetch between $1 million and $1.5 million, according to Digi24.
The buyer of Comedian will receive a fresh banana, a roll of duct tape, a certificate of authenticity, and installation instructions. While these items are replacements rather than the original banana and tape, Sotheby’s assures that the artwork’s conceptual value remains intact.
As a conceptual piece, the physical banana is replaced whenever the work is displayed, according to a Sotheby’s spokesperson.
Eaten Twice
The artwork has a history of unexpected interactions. It was famously eaten twice: once during a performance at Art Basel by “Hungry Artist” David Datuna, and later by a hungry student, who humorously taped the peel back onto the wall.
Cattelan, known for his provocative works, insists Comedian is no joke. In interviews, he described the piece as a commentary on value and the absurdity of the art world, challenging viewers to consider what society deems valuable.
The artwork will be featured in Sotheby’s The Now and Contemporary Evening Auction in New York on November 20. Before the auction, Comedian will embark on a world tour, with exhibitions beginning in New York on October 28 and traveling to major cities including London, Paris, Milan, Hong Kong, Dubai, and Los Angeles.
