Justin Sun Buys Banana for $6.2M at Sotheby’s, Plans to Eat It

Highlights:

• Tron founder Justin Sun pours $6.2 million into a banana purchase.
• The acquired fruit is not just a random banana but an artwork purchased via auction sales.
• Sun revealed that he would eat the banana, which invariably implies that he might join the very few that have consumed the fruit in the past.

Chinese-born cryptocurrency entrepreneur and Tron (TRX) founder Justin Sun is making headlines for splashing $6.2 million to purchase a banana. For context, the banana wasn’t just a mere fruit but the popular Maurizio Cattelan’s infamous Comedian artwork. Notedly, the piece of art entails a banana taped to the wall via a stretch of duct tape.

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According to reports, the Tron founder bought the artwork at Sotheby’s following auction bargains that extended beyond six minutes. Announcing the highest bidder on its verified X handle, Sotheby’s wrote: “After over 6 minutes of heated bidding, Deputy Chairman of Sotheby’s and Chairman of Sotheby’s China, Jen Hua, placed the winning bid for ‘Comedian’ on behalf of Justin Sun.”

It is worth noting that since its establishment in 1744, Sotheby’s has evolved to become the oldest and most renowned globally recognized outlet for auctioning fine arts. Apart from auctions, the platform allows artisans to buy and sell artwork and other valuables like jewelry, watches, wine collectible cars, real estate, etc.

After over 6 minutes of heated bidding, Deputy Chairman of Sotheby's and Chairman of Sotheby's China, Jen Hua, placed the winning bid for ‘Comedian’ on behalf of @justinsuntron, Chinese collector and founder of cryptocurrency platform TRON. https://t.co/Vf6kMoHfOQ

— Sotheby's (@Sothebys) November 21, 2024

Justin Sun Plans to Devour His Newly Purchased Artwork

As expected, the Tron founder confirmed his latest purchase on his official X account. In his tweet, Sun expressed excitement and satisfaction with the artifact he paid over $6 million to acquire. Describing the piece of art, the Chinese businessman noted that aside from being an artwork, it represented an entity that bridges the vacuum separating artisans from crypto enthusiasts.

The Tron founder added:

“I believe this piece will inspire more thought and discussion in the future and will become a part of history. I am honored to be the proud owner of the banana and look forward to it sparking further inspiration and impact for art enthusiasts.”

Concluding his X post, Sun revealed his plans for the recently acquired artwork. According to the Chinese entrepreneur, he intends to eat the banana, adding that it would be part of his unique artwork experience. He also noted that he is honoring the fruit’s undisputed position in culture and art history by eating the fruit.

I’m thrilled to announce that I’ve bought the banana🍌 !!! @SpaceX @Sothebys I am Justin Sun, and I’m excited to share that I have successfully acquired Maurizio Cattelan’s iconic work, Comedian for $6.2 million. This is not just an artwork; it represents a cultural phenomenon… pic.twitter.com/lAj1RE6y0C

— H.E. Justin Sun 🍌 (@justinsuntron) November 21, 2024

Should the Tron founder keep to his words, he would become one of the few who have munched the priced fruit. In April 2023, a South Korean student ate the banana taped to the wall at Seoul’s Leeum Museum of Art. According to the student, he ate the banana because he was hungry after skipping breakfast.

In response, Cattelan did not charge the student to court. Instead, it simply replaced the banana. Meanwhile, before 2023, the first time an individual ate the sculptured banana was in 2019. According to reports, David Datuna, a New York-based artist, became the first person to consume the banana while on display.

In April last year, a student ate the banana when the work was on display in a Seoul art museum and taped the peel back on the wall. He later said he ate it because he skipped breakfast and was hungry. pic.twitter.com/5cbZwVH0ap

— MemeWhale🐋🚀 (@meme__whale) November 21, 2024

Sun Will Receive Certificate to Publicly Display His Recently Acquired Artefact

Considering the nature of his newly procured artwork, Bloomberg reported that Sun will receive a certification. The signed document will allow the Tron founder to showcase his recently purchased piece as an official artwork. The certification prevents random individuals from displaying a wall-taped banana as a sculpture.

Meanwhile, apart from the license, Sotheby’s will present the Tron founder with a starter kit. The beginner pack will contain a ribbon of duct tape, a banana, and a manual relaying a detailed explanation of how to present the exhibit.

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