Artist eats $120,000 banana artwork
An artwork of an overripe banana duct-taped to a wall that sold for $120,000 (£91,000) has been eaten by a separate performance artist.
The artwork, titled Comedian, by Italian artist Maurizio Cattelan, was on display at the international gallery Perrotin at Art Basel in Miami.
Three buyers bought the limited-edition pieces of the banana art this week.
But performance artist David Datuna pulled it from the wall, peeled it and devoured it on Saturday.
“Art performance by me. I love Maurizio Cattelan artwork and I really love this installation. It’s very delicious,” Mr Datuna posted on Instagram.
“Hungry Artist” Art performance by me ? I love Maurizio Cattelan artwork and I really love this installation It’s very delicious ?
A post shared by David Datuna (@david_datuna) on
End of Instagram post by david_datuna
Despite the initial anger of a member of staff, the banana was swiftly replaced and no further action will be taken.
The art reportedly comes with a certificate of authenticity, meaning owners can replace the banana.
“[Datuna] did not destroy the art work. The banana is the idea,” Lucien Terras, a director at the gallery, told the Miami Herald.
Police were later deployed to guard the replacement banana.
Art Basel is one of the world’s most high-profile contemporary art fairs.
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