Maurizio Cattelan’s controversial duct-taped banana is set to be auctioned at...
Oops, that was a poor choice of words. The duct-taped banana will be sold intact, not smashed under a gavel, at Sotheby’s in New York on November 20th. Much better.
The Italian visual artist, renowned for his hyperrealistic sculptures and satirical art, titled his creation “Comedian.” Cattelan has explained, quite earnestly, that it serves as “a sincere commentary and reflection on what we value.”
Initially showcased at Art Basel Miami in 2019, “Comedian” drew both derision and fascination. And hungry stomachs, as the artwork was torn off the wall and eaten. Twice. It was subsequently replaced with fresh bananas.
“If ‘Comedian’ fundamentally questions the concept of art’s value, then auctioning it this November will be the ultimate expression of its essential conceptual idea — the public will finally have a say in determining its true worth,” said David Galperin, Sotheby’s head of contemporary art in the Americas, who described “Comedian” as “a defiant work of pure genius.”
Sotheby’s has already estimated its value — between $1 million and $1.5 million (€924,000 and €1.4 million). The buyer will receive a certificate of authenticity rather than the fruit itself.
Before the auction on November 20th, the piece will tour major cities including London, Paris, Milan, Dubai, Tokyo, and then return to New York.
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