A Banana Duct-Taped to a Wall Sells for $6.2 Million
A Phenomenon of Conceptual Art
A piece of conceptual art, "Comedian," consisting of a banana duct-taped to a wall, sold for $6.2 million at an auction in New York on Wednesday. The artwork, created by Italian artist Maurizio Cattelan, was a phenomenon when it debuted in 2019 at Art Basel Miami Beach. The single yellow piece of fruit affixed to a white wall with silver duct tape sparked controversy and curiosity, with some questioning whether it was a joke or a commentary on the art market.
The Auction Process
The bidding started at $800,000 and quickly rose to $2 million, then $3 million, and finally reached $5.2 million. The auctioneer jokingly said, "It’s slipping through the auction room." The final hammer price did not include the about $1 million in auction house fees, which were paid by the buyer.
The Artist Behind the Artwork
Maurizio Cattelan is known as "one of Contemporary Art’s most brilliant provocateurs." According to Sotheby’s, he has persistently disrupted the art world’s status quo in meaningful, irreverent, and often controversial ways. Cattelan’s "Comedian" is a classic example of his work, which often challenges the notion of what constitutes art.
Other Notable Auction Sales
The sale of "Comedian" comes a day after a painting by Belgian surrealist René Magritte sold for $121.2 million, a record for the artist, at a separate auction. "The Empire of Light," an eerie nighttime streetscape below a pale blue daytime sky, sold Tuesday as part of Christie’s sale of the collection of interior designer Mica Ertegun.
Conclusion
The sale of "Comedian" and "The Empire of Light" demonstrate the dynamic and ever-changing nature of the art market. As artists continue to push boundaries and challenge our perceptions, these sales serve as a testament to the power of art to inspire and provoke.
FAQs
Q: What is the concept behind "Comedian," the artwork that sold for $6.2 million?
A: The artwork is a banana duct-taped to a wall, which some interpret as a commentary on the art market and others see as a joke.
Q: Who is Maurizio Cattelan, the artist behind "Comedian"?
A: Cattelan is an Italian artist known for his provocative and irreverent works that challenge the notion of what constitutes art.
Q: What is the significance of the sale of "Comedian"?
A: The sale is significant because it demonstrates the value that collectors and auction houses place on conceptual and provocative art.
Q: What is the price of "The Empire of Light," the painting sold by René Magritte?
A: "The Empire of Light" sold for $121.2 million, a record for the artist.
