Maurizio Cattelan’s iconic artwork, titled “Comedian,” featuring a banana duct-taped to a wall, is set to be auctioned for the first time. Sotheby’s experts estimate that the piece could potentially fetch up to $1.5 million. While the simplicity of the artwork may tempt some to recreate it at home using basic materials, the winning bidder will receive a certificate of authenticity, official installation instructions, a fresh banana, and a new roll of duct tape. The original banana used in the artwork has long since perished.
David Galperin, Sotheby’s head of contemporary art for the Americas, expressed that putting “Comedian” up for auction allows the public to determine its true value, thus embodying the artwork’s conceptual essence. The artwork made its debut five years ago at Art Basel Miami Beach, where two editions were sold for $120,000 each, and the third edition fetched $150,000. The specific edition to be auctioned has not been disclosed by Sotheby’s.
Comparisons have been drawn between the duct-taped banana and other provocative artworks that challenge traditional notions of art, such as Marcel Duchamp’s “Fountain” and Tracey Emin’s “My Bed.” Cattelan has emphasized that “Comedian” is not a joke but rather a sincere commentary on the value we place on art. The piece garnered significant attention during its debut, attracting large crowds and sparking conversations both online and in the media. Due to safety concerns arising from its popularity, the installation was eventually taken down.
The interactive nature of “Comedian” has further contributed to its notoriety. Instances where individuals removed and consumed the banana as part of performance art have only added to the artwork’s mystique. However, due to the perishable nature of the banana, its integrity remains intact as the materials are replaced with each new installation.
Sotheby’s will host the auction for “Comedian” in New York on November 20, following a world tour of the bananas and tape in cities such as London, Paris, Milan, Hong Kong, Dubai, Taipei, Tokyo, and Los Angeles. The piece continues to captivate audiences and challenge perceptions of art, solidifying its place as one of the most talked-about works of the century.
