The culture is replete with examples of first world expressions. Many are little more than pretentious crap. But even pretentious crap that is beyond the ability of everyday people can be attractive. So, what does it say when a “work of art” that anyone can create, possibly right now, for about $1.00, sells for $120,000?
Stupid. Wasteful. Ridiculous. Hilarious?
Talk about disposable income.
A banana duct-taped to a wall sold for $120,000 at Miami’s Art Basel this week — it may be the most talked-about artwork at this year’s event. Two of the three editions have been sold, according to Perrotin, the contemporary art gallery behind the work. The last one is expected to go for $150,000.
The controversial piece, called “The Comedian,” was created by Maurizio Cattelan, an Italian artist who had also entertained art lovers from around the globe in 2017 with his “America” 18-carat-gold toilet. However, the $6-million throne was stolen from England’s Blenheim Palace over the summer.
The only controversy I see is that someone paid 120,000 dollars, just over double the mean average American Wage. It’s a banana and a piece of duct tape. You could do this at home, at least until it rots. Then do it again.
The problem, of course, is that it has already been done. If you do it, it’s just a cheap reproduction. It is not (of course) not worthless. You could eat the banana and enjoy the benefits of the fruit, and then use the tape to cover your mouth to stop you from laughing (or crying?) because so far the artist as sold two of them.
