In an auction that blurs the line between absurdity and high art, Maurizio Cattelan’s controversial piece “Comedian” —a banana duct-taped to a wall—could sell for up to $1.5 million at Sotheby’s contemporary art auction on November 20.
The work, first unveiled at the 2019 Art Basel Miami Beach fair, has sparked debates over its value, meaning, and the nature of art itself. Cattelan’s *“Comedian”* consists of a ripe banana affixed to a wall with silver duct tape, a seemingly simple setup that has made headlines for its provocative commentary on the art world.
Although the banana itself is perishable and will not be part of the sale, buyers will receive a certificate of authenticity that allows them to recreate the piece by placing a banana and duct tape on a wall themselves.
This reflected Cattelan’s approach to art, where the idea—rather than the object—is paramount. According to Sotheby’s head of contemporary art, David Galperin, the work asks important questions about how society ascribes value to art and challenges traditional definitions of what constitutes an artwork.
The piece is more than just a quirky installation. Art critics and experts, like Columbia University’s Chloé Cooper Jones, argue that it might reflect a deeper critique of global trade, exploitation, and moral complicity.
While some view it as a satirical commentary on the capitalist art world, others see it as a tool to explore darker historical themes, including the banana’s own ties to imperialism and labor exploitation.
The sale of "Comedian” is occurring at a time when Sotheby’s is also auctioning a piece from Claude Monet’s iconic *Water Lilies* series, valued at around $60 million.
Galperin drew a parallel between the two works, noting that even Monet’s impressionism was once considered radical and provocative. For Cattelan, this work might similarly provoke discomfort in its viewers—but also push the boundaries of what we consider profound art.
