A new artwork by
@mauriziocattelan, in the form of a real banana taped to a wall and displayed at
#ArtBasel in Miami, was sold for $120,000. In fact, at least two of three have sold. The piece, titled “Comedian,” is Cattelan’s first presentation at an
#art fair in more than 15 years, according to
@galerieperrotin, and comes with a certificate of authenticity. Emmanuel Perrotin, the gallery’s owner, told
@artnet the price of the third and final edition (aside from two artist proofs) of the work would go for $150,000. To
@cnn, Perrotin called the banana "a symbol of global trade, a double entendre, as well as a classic device for humor.” In an interview with Artnet, Cattelan said he worked on the concept for around a year, and would hang a banana on the wall when he traveled. After trying out versions with resin, bronze and painted bronze, he admitted being stumped on how to complete the piece. “In the end,” he told the outlet, “one day I woke up and I said ‘the banana is supposed to be a banana.’”
#🍌 Photograph by
@jtaggfoto—@nytimes/@reduxpictures