A visitor at the Center Pompidou in Metz, France, has eaten a piece of art consisting of a banana duct-taped to a wall.The artwork, titled “Comedian,” had previously sold for $6.2 million.
The incident occurred during the “Sunday without End” exhibition at the Metz branch of the renowned paris museum.The visitor, identified as being from the Netherlands, reportedly peeled and consumed the banana on the spot. Security personnel were unable to intervene quickly enough. The visitor stated their motivation was to “taste a banana worth $6.2 million.”
The artist behind “Comedian,” Maurizio Cattelan, reacted with amusement. He commented that the visitor “was only content with the fruit” instead of consuming the banana with its peel and tape. Cattelan, 64, is known for his provocative art.
A History of “Comedian”
The museum confirmed that its security team responded swiftly and calmly, and the artwork was replaced within minutes. “Comedian” was first unveiled at Art Basel in Miami in 2019. The concept of the banana and tape being replaced at intervals has been a consistent feature of its exhibition.
This is not the first time “comedian” has been consumed. Two years prior, a student in Seoul ate the artwork, citing hunger. The student then reattached the banana peel to the wall, suggesting that damage to art could also be considered an artistic act.
Cattelan’s other notable works include a functional toilet made of 18-carat gold, titled “America.”