Art Collector Who Bought a $6 Million Banana Offers to Buy 100,000 More
In the world of contemporary art, there are always new and innovative pieces that catch the eye of collectors. However, none have caused quite as much uproar as the infamous $6 million banana. In December 2019, Italian artist Maurizio Cattelan created a piece titled “Comedian,” which consisted of a banana duct-taped to a wall. The piece quickly became a sensation, with some praising its simplicity and others questioning its value.
One art collector who was particularly taken with “Comedian” was Emmanuel Perrotin, a prominent art dealer based in Paris. Perrotin purchased the piece for $120,000 and later sold it to another collector for a staggering $6 million. The sale of the banana caused a media frenzy, with many questioning the value of contemporary art and the whims of wealthy collectors.
But now, Perrotin has made an even bolder move by offering to buy 100,000 more bananas from Cattelan. The art dealer has claimed that he wants to create a “banana farm” and display the fruits in various locations around the world. Perrotin believes that the bananas will serve as a commentary on the fleeting nature of art and the absurdity of the art market.
While some may see Perrotin’s offer as a publicity stunt or a way to capitalize on the success of “Comedian,” others view it as a bold and provocative statement on the state of the art world. The fact that a simple banana can command such a high price tag has raised questions about the nature of value and the role of collectors in shaping the art market.
Perrotin’s offer to buy 100,000 bananas may seem outlandish, but it is just the latest example of the unpredictable and often controversial world of contemporary art. Whether the bananas will indeed become a new art installation or simply serve as a marketing ploy remains to be seen. One thing is for sure – the $6 million banana has certainly left a lasting impression on the art world.