Art collector buys banana duct taped to a wall for $120,000 but then a performance artist just ate it

In news that could only seem at home in 2019, a $120,000 work of art consisting of a banana duct-taped to a wall was ripped from its perch and eaten by a performance artist.

Yup, that’s one expensive snack.

David Datuna posted video of his performance piece, which he calls "Hungry Artist."

The banana, which had made headlines after selling for $120,000 at Art Basel in Miami Beach, was created by artist Maurizio Cattelan. The Italian artist sold two editions the piece, called “Comedian”, to private collectors for $120,000 each.

On Instagram, Datuna said:

I love Maurizio Cattelan artwork and I really love this installation.

It’s very delicious.

Cattelan is the same artist who created the $1million 18-karat gold toilet which was stolen from Blenheim Palace in September 2019.

Gallery spokesman Lucien Terras told the Miami Herald that Datuna's snacking would have no impact on the piece's value because the banana was meant to be replaced as needed.

He said:

He did not destroy the art work.

The banana is the idea.

The artwork apparently comes with "instructions" that "the banana should be replaced as necessary".

Well that's a relief.

H/T: NBC News

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