He did it! The most expensive banana in the world, purchased for $6.2 million, was devoured by its buyer.
In a luxurious Hong Kong hotel, Justin SunChinese-American entrepreneur and founder of the cryptocurrency platform Tron, wolfed down the banana in front of dozens of journalists and influencers. The 30-year-old previously gave a speech calling the work of art “iconic” and drawing parallels between conceptual art and cryptocurrencies.
“It is much better than other bananas”he said after swallowing the first bite. “It’s really, really good,” he added. The work consists of a banana hanging on a wall with a large piece of silver tape. Titled Comedianit was created by the Italian iconoclast and provocative artist Maurizio Cattelan.
The work went around the world
The images went around the world. The work Comedian was sold for $6.2 million during an auction organized by Sotheby’s in New York. This creation has once again demonstrated its power of seduction and controversy in the world of contemporary art.
After a “world tour” in Paris, London, Milan, Hong Kong, Dubai, Tokyo and Los Angeles, the banana found its buyer in New York on November 20. The suspense was at its height as seven buyers competed to own this unique work. In just a few minutes, the price went from $800,000 to a staggering $5.2 million, for a total of $6.2 million after sales fees.. It was Justin Sun, the founder of the cryptocurrency platform Tron, who won the bet.
However, it should be noted that, at the time of purchase, Justin Sun was given a certificate of authenticity and instructions for replacing the fruit when it becomes too ripe.
Why did he eat it?
Justin Sun said he felt “disbelief” in the first ten seconds after winning the sale. After the next ten seconds, he had decided that he would eat the banana. “Eating it at a press conference can also be part of the history of this work of art”he explained Friday.
Justin Sun compared conceptual works like “Comedian” to NFT (“non-fungible token”) art and decentralized blockchain technology. “Most of these objects and ideas exist as (intellectual property) and on the internet, as opposed to something physical,” he stressed.
He also announced this week a investment of 30 million dollars (28.4 million euros) dans World Liberty Financiala cryptocurrency investment and borrowing platform, supported by US President-elect Donald Trump.
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