The rising of “Comedian” at Art Basel Miami 2019
It was during Art Basel Miami 2019 that the artist Maurizio Cattelan turned the art world upside down with an ordinary banana duct taped to a wall. Long lines of visitors clamored to photograph the piece, while social media buzz transformed it into an instant viral phenomenon. The banana even had its own dramatic twist when performance artist David Datuna ate it during the exhibition, claiming he was hungry: a bold move that made global headlines and amplified the artwork’s notoriety.
Comedian was more than just a spectacle—Its simplicity, absurdity and controversy turned it into a global conversation about the very nature of art. Selling three editions for $120,000 to $150,000 each and leaving the world wondering: Was this a brilliant critique of the art market or an elaborate prank?
A divided opinion
At first glance, Comedian appeared to be nothing more than an ordinary fruit affixed to a wall with duct tape. However, this minimalist installation became an overnight sensation. Love it or hate it, Comedian became impossible to ignore!
Supporters viewed it as a wise commentary on the art market and consumer culture, praising its simplicity and the message behind it. On the other hand, critics were outraged, seeing it as a scam – an insult to artistic integrity, a mockery of “true” art and a symbol of everything wrong with modern art. The artwork raised existential questions: Can something so ordinary be considered art? What gives an object its value—its materials, its creator, or the ideas it represents?
Behind the Banana
Cattelan, an Italian artist described by Sotheby’s as “among contemporary art’s most brilliant provocateurs,” is known for his hyper-realistic sculptures and public interventions that blur the line between art and prank. He spent a year developing Comedian. Initially experimenting with materials like bronze and resin, he eventually embraced the banana’s ephemeral nature. “Everywhere I went, I had this banana on the wall, but I couldn’t figure out how to finalize it,” he reflected. “Then, one day I woke up and realized the banana is meant to be a banana.”
The artist’s intent was never to create a joke. Instead, he wanted to challenge how we think about value. By choosing a simple banana—an everyday object—he forced viewers to rethink their perceptions of art and what gives it value. He leaves the meaning open to invite for interpretation. Is it a critique of consumerism? A commentary on materialism? A self-parody of the art world? Perhaps, it is all these things!
Concept over Object
Comedian is not just a banana; it is a certificate of authenticity that grants the buyer the right to recreate the installation, along with instructions on how to do so. When the banana goes bad, they simply replace it, and it is still considered as an original piece. This shifts the focus from the physical object to the concept behind it. By transforming an ordinary, perishable item into something exclusive and unattainable, Cattelan forces us to confront the paradox of art: it is both accessible and elitist, ephemeral yet valuable.
In conceptual art, the idea always wins. While traditional art often emphasizes aesthetics or technical skill, pieces like Comedian prompt us to reflect on the deeper message behind the work.
A Banana worth $6.2 Million, a reflection of our times?
Fast forward to November 2024, and Comedian has once again defied expectations, selling for $6.2 million at Sotheby’s auction house in New York. The buyer, tech entrepreneur Justin Sun, did not just purchase the banana or the tape – he bought the concept. After the sale, he ate the banana on stage in Hong Kong, comparing it to a cryptocurrency asset and declaring “the real value is the concept itself”.
The piece may be seen as a mirror held up to our culture. In an era shaped by social media, memes and viral moments, the artwork captures the spirit of our times, challenges us to rethink what art is, who gets to define it, and why we assign value to even the most mundane objects. As Cattelan himself observed, “If you think my work is provocative, it means that reality is extremely provocative, and we just don’t react to it.”
Conclusion
Comedian may have started as a banana taped to a wall, but it has evolved into a symbol of the art world’s quirks and contradictions. Whether you see it as a joke, a critique, or a masterpiece, its impact is undeniable. Cattelan’s creation pushes us to laugh, think, and question the world we live in, securing its place as one of the most iconic—and hotly debated—artworks of our time.
As community leader of Next Collector, Doha shares insights, trends, and tips to help the Bergos Next Community navigate the fascinating world of Art and collecting.