Duct-Taped Banana Artwork Expected to Fetch Over $1 Million at Auction

Maurizio Cattelan's controversial piece, 'Comedian,' challenges art world norms and explores themes of value and exploitation.

The artwork, titled 'Comedian,' consists of a banana duct-taped to a wall and is estimated to sell for between $1 million and $1.5 million at Sotheby's auction on November 20.
Originally displayed at Miami Beach in 2019, the piece became a viral sensation, sparking discussions about its artistic merit and value.
Buyers of 'Comedian' receive a certificate of authenticity, allowing them to recreate the artwork, rather than the banana itself, which is regularly replaced.
Critics and scholars suggest the work serves as a critique of the art market, highlighting issues of capitalism, value assignment, and the darker history of the banana as a symbol of exploitation.
The auction coincides with the sale of Claude Monet's 'Water Lilies,' emphasizing the ongoing debate over what constitutes meaningful art.