A controversial artwork called “Comedian,” created by Italian artist Maurizio Cattelan, was sold at a Sotheby’s auction in New York for $6.2 million on November 20, 2024. The piece consists of a banana duct-taped to a wall and was bought by cryptocurrency entrepreneur Justin Sun. “Comedian” was first displayed at Art Basel in Miami in 2019, where it attracted attention and sparked debates about the definition of art. The display was so popular that it had to be removed for safety reasons.

The bidding for the piece started at $800,000 and quickly exceeded the estimated value of $1.5 million, with Sun placing the winning bid over the phone. The final price included a buyer’s premium, and Sun paid using cryptocurrency. The new owner is responsible for replacing the banana as it decays over time. Many art experts have called “Comedian” both humorous and absurd, reflecting the current art market’s excessiveness. Sun stated that the artwork connects art, internet memes, and cryptocurrency and could inspire future discussions. This piece follows in the footsteps of Cattelan’s previous provocative works, like a golden toilet and a pope statue hit by a meteorite. Some analysts have compared it to Banksy’s “Girl with Balloon,” which shredded itself during a 2018 auction. While the piece has received praise, it also raises questions about whether it represents true innovation or just extravagance.