Image of a banana duct-taped to a wall

Shutterstock.com (background, frame); Eduardo Munoz Alvarez/AP Images (Comedian)

Top Banana

Can you believe that a banana is worth more than $6 million? It’s true! That’s what someone paid for a banana and a piece of duct tape on November 20. This artwork was sold at Sotheby’s. That’s an auction house in New York City.

The unusual piece of art is called Comedian. It was created by an artist from Italy. His name is Maurizio Cattelan. The artwork includes a banana taped to a wall. When the fruit rots, it’s replaced by a fresh banana. Comedian was first displayed at an art fair in Miami, Florida, in 2019.

The artwork has led to a debate. Some people argue that a banana is not art. The one that sold for millions was bought at a fruit stand for just 35 cents! But others say that getting people to talk about art is what makes Comedian so special.

The buyer was a businessman named Justin Sun. He didn’t just get a banana and tape. He also received a certificate. It gives Sun the right to re-create the art and call it Comedian. So Sun now owns Cattelan’s idea. 

The certificate is more important than any banana. In fact, nine days after the auction, Sun ate the banana! 

What does your class think?

Is this banana a piece of art?

Please enter a valid number of votes for one class to proceed.

Is this banana a piece of art?

Please select an answer to vote.

Is this banana a piece of art?

0%
0votes
{{result.answer}}
Total Votes: 0
Thank you for voting!
Sorry, an error occurred and your vote could not be processed. Please try again later.
Text-to-Speech