The Auction of Maurizio Cattelan’s Duct-Taped Banana
In a striking event scheduled for November 20th, Maurizio Cattelan’s infamous duct-taped banana, a piece that has stirred both controversy and intrigue, will be auctioned at Sotheby’s in New York. It’s important to clarify that the banana will be sold intact, avoiding any mishaps with a gavel!
Cattelan, an Italian visual artist renowned for his hyperrealistic sculptures and satirical commentary on contemporary culture, has aptly named this piece “Comedian.” He has described it as “a sincere commentary and a reflection on what we value,” which adds layers of meaning to this seemingly simple artwork.
Initially unveiled at Art Basel Miami in 2019, “Comedian” captivated audiences, sparking both ridicule and fascination. The artwork’s unconventional nature led to unexpected incidents where it was torn off the wall and eaten—not just once, but twice! Each time, it was replaced with fresh bananas, further emphasizing the transient nature of value in art.
David Galperin, Sotheby’s head of contemporary art in the Americas, remarked, “If at its core, Comedian questions the very notion of the value of art, then putting the work at auction this November will be the ultimate realization of its essential conceptual idea — the public will finally have a say in deciding its true value.” He described the piece as “a defiant work of pure genius.”
Sotheby’s has set an estimated value for the banana artwork between $1 million and $1.5 million (approximately €924,000 to €1.4 million). The fortunate buyer will receive a certificate of authenticity instead of the banana itself, underscoring the conceptual nature of this unique art piece.
In the lead-up to the auction, “Comedian” will embark on an international tour, showcasing its controversial charm in key cities including London, Paris, Milan, Dubai, Tokyo, and finally returning to New York.