A piece of art which consisted of an overripe banana duct-taped to a wall has sold for $120,000 (yes you read that correctly) after being consumed by a separate performance artist.
The self entitled “comedian,” and Italian artist, Maurizio Cattelan’s banana could be viewed at the international gallery at Perrotin at Art Basel in Miami.
But those who were vying for a look at the original banana are sure to be let down as the fruit has since been consumed by performance artists, David Datuna.
In front of a room full of art lovers, Datuna chomped down on the banana/prized piece of art (?) and the reaction was priceless.
And while the artwork technically does no longer exist, the artwork is still very valuable as Lucien Terras, director of museum relations, revealed to the Miami Herald:
“He did not destroy the art work. The banana is the idea.”
Allegedly, the banana comes with a certificate of authenticity (which is not bananas at all.)
Terras continued:
“This has brought a lot of tension and attention to the booth and we’re not into spectacles, but the response has been great. It brings a smile to a lot of people’s faces.”
Gallery owener Emmanuel Perrotin had been prepping to head to the airport when he heard the art had been consumed. He was of course, very upset after returning to the space.
The incident was reported to gallery security and Datuna was escorted from the gallery and not arrested. Right after the incident, Perrotin along with the gallery assistant taped another banana to the wall.