The Duct Tape Banana, officially titled Comedian, is a 2019 conceptual artwork by Maurizio Cattelan. It consists of a real banana taped to a wall with duct tape, making it one of the most talked-about pieces in modern art.
The artwork was first displayed at Art Basel Miami Beach, where it sold for $120,000. The piece sparked debate about the nature of art, with some praising its satirical commentary on the art market, while others dismissed it as absurd. The banana itself is replaceable, meaning buyers receive a certificate of authenticity rather than the physical banana.
In 2024, the artwork was resold for $6.2 million, further fueling discussions about the value of conceptual art. Some critics argue that Comedian is a brilliant critique of consumerism, while others see it as a joke at the expense of the art world.
