A Banana, a Gallery, and a Quick Bite
Picture this: it’s Art Basel in Miami Beach, the crowd’s buzzing, and out of nowhere, the spotlight zooms in on a duct‑taped banana on a gallery wall. Then, the performance artist David Datuna swoops in, pulls the fruit free, and—drumroll—takes a bite.
The Artist and His Unexpected Snack
David Datuna, a Georgian‑born American painter who’s based in New York, posted the clip on his Instagram. He calls himself an “artist,” the video reads, and he declares: “Art performance… hungry artist,” before lacing up the banana. The crowd erupts in giggles; a gallery guard shooed him into a side room for a quick chat.
“No Damage, Just a Concept”
Don’t worry, museum folks, the banana was never destroyed. Lucien Terras, head of museum relations for Galerie Perrotin, sums it up: “It’s the idea that counts. The fruit itself can be replaced.” In fact, a fresh banana got taped to the spot just fifteen minutes later, keeping the booth alive and lively.
Value vs. Vanishment
- Original piece by Maurizio Cattelan called “Comedian”.
- Sold to a French collector for a cool US$120,000 (about S$163,000).
- Its worth lies in the certificate of authenticity—the banana itself is a temporary prop.
The Pop‑Culture Sidekick
Since you’re on a roll, here’s a side note: Cattelan once designed an 18‑carat gold toilet, “America.” It’s a bid‑funhouse of a piece, reportedly worth US$5‑6 million. The toilet even played a cameo in President Donald Trump’s wardrobe line. Last September, it got whisked away from Blenheim Palace in England—yes, the same place that hosted the great Winston Churchill.
Why It Matters
So why did a banana swipe go from gallery grandness to a viral snack event? Terras said it stirred tension and attention. But he added, “We’re not into spectacles, but the reaction has been great. It puts a smile on people’s faces.” And honestly, who can resist a banana moment that’s both edible and iconic?
