Criticism of “Comedian” (artwork)

One recent controversial conceptual artwork was “Comedian” by Maurizio Cattelan, which debuted at Art Basel Miami Beach in December 2019. The piece consisted simply of a banana duct-taped to a wall. Despite its simplicity, it sold for $120,000, and a second version sold for $150,000.

The work sparked intense debate about the nature of art, value, and the art market. Controversy heightened when performance artist David Datuna removed and ate the banana in an unauthorized performance he called “Hungry Artist.” The gallery maintained this didn’t destroy the artwork, as the banana was meant to be replaced.

“Comedian” became a cultural phenomenon, generating widespread media coverage, public mockery, and serious art world discussion about conceptual art’s legitimacy and the economic structures of the contemporary art market.

“Comedian” sparked several lines of criticism:

1. Value criticism: Many questioned how a banana taped to a wall could justify a $120,000+ price tag, seeing it as emblematic of an inflated, irrational art market.
2. Artistic merit: Critics argued it lacked skill, originality, or meaningful concept, with some viewing it as an intentional mockery of the art world rather than genuine artistic expression.
3. Elitism: The work highlighted the perceived disconnect between elite art institutions and ordinary people. The exorbitant price for something so mundane reinforced views that contemporary art serves primarily as a status symbol for the wealthy.
4. Emperor’s new clothes phenomenon: Some critics suggested collectors and institutions were afraid to call out the work as absurd for fear of appearing unsophisticated.
5. Exploitation: Critics argued Cattelan was exploiting the art market’s excesses and collector insecurity rather than creating meaningful work.

The piece became a cultural flashpoint precisely because it raised fundamental questions about art’s definition, value, and purpose in contemporary society.