Justin Sun Buys $6.2 Million Banana Artwork

A banana duct-taped to a wall, titled 'Comedian' by Maurizio Cattelan, was sold for an astonishing $6.2 million at Sotheby’s auction in New York, surpassing the pre-sale estimate of $1.5 million. The winning bid came from cryptocurrency entrepreneur Justin Sun, who stated that the piece represents a cultural phenomenon connecting art, memes, and crypto. The artwork, which sparked controversy and discussions about the nature of art since its debut at Art Basel Miami Beach in 2019, has seen public interactions where visitors have removed and even eaten the banana. Sun expressed his intention to eat the banana himself, emphasizing the humorous and absurd nature of the piece. Cattelan's work is known for its provocative commentary, with previous notable pieces including a solid gold toilet. The auction featured intense bidding, starting at $800,000 and escalating rapidly, showcasing the ongoing fascination and excesses within the contemporary art market.