Artist behind duct-taped banana explains the piece
The True Value of Art: Maurizio Cattelan’s “Comedian”
Renowned Italian artist Maurizio Cattelan recently made headlines with his controversial artwork titled “Comedian,” a banana duct-taped to a wall that sold for a staggering US$6.2 million at auction. In a candid interview published on Friday, Cattelan revealed that the piece was intended as a “provocation” to challenge the art world and prompt viewers to reconsider the value of art.
“Comedian,” which caused a stir when it debuted at Miami’s Art Basel in 2019, was purchased by Chinese cryptocurrency entrepreneur Justin Sun at Sotheby’s in New York. Cattelan explained that the artwork forces us to reflect on the dynamics of the art market and what it reveals about our perceptions as viewers.
The original version of “Comedian” featured a banana that cost a mere 25 cents. At auction, the price soared from $800,000 to $5.2 million, highlighting the whimsical nature of the art market. Cattelan remarked, “It’s the market that has decided to take a banana stuck on the wall so seriously. If the system is so frail to slip on a banana skin, maybe it was already slippery.”
Known for his provocative and satirical installations, Cattelan’s portfolio includes a range of unconventional artworks such as a fake horse suspended from a ceiling and a sculpture of the late pope John Paul II being struck by a meteorite. His penchant for absurdity and irony is evident in “Comedian,” which challenges traditional notions of art and value.
Despite the astronomical price tag of his artwork, Cattelan remains humble, emphasizing the importance of humor and simplicity in his creations. He admitted to being asleep when “Comedian” was sold, dreaming of his favorite soccer team’s victory. For Cattelan, the artwork serves as a playful critique of the art world and a call to embrace the power of wit and levity.
This latest success for Maurizio Cattelan underscores his status as a visionary artist who pushes boundaries and challenges conventions. Through “Comedian,” he invites us to question the nature of art and the role of the market in shaping its value. In a world where a banana taped to a wall can fetch millions, Cattelan’s work serves as a reminder of the ever-changing landscape of contemporary art.
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