A viral banana stuck on the wall could sell for over ₹12 million at an auction. But there's a twist World News

The $1.5 million “Comedian” artwork is a banana taped to a wall. Whoever wins the contract will not receive the original banana.

Instead, the successful bidder will receive a certificate of authenticity entitling them to receive a new banana and a roll of tape, along with detailed installation instructions.

Why is “Comedian” a controversial work of art?

When “Comedian” was first presented at Art Basel Miami in 2019, the artwork sparked widespread debate and garnered global attention. It even appeared on the cover of The Post.

Initially, Cattelan produced three editions of Comedian and purchased bananas for less than a dollar at a local grocery store. Two were sold for $120,000 each, while the third was donated to the Guggenheim Museum.

Now, “Comedian,” complete with a fresh banana and new tape, is embarking on a “global tour” and will be exhibited at Sotheby’s galleries worldwide ahead of its major auction on November 20.

Several art critics have opined that the essence of “Comedian” goes beyond its physical appearance as it challenges perceptions and stimulates discourse about what constitutes “art.”

On the other hand, the artwork's popularity rose even further when performance artist David Datuna ate the banana during his performance titled “Hungry Artist.”

The high level of interest even led to curators removing it from Art Basel as the crowds threatened the integrity of the surrounding works.

Cattelan, hailed by Sotheby's as “one of contemporary art's most brilliant provocateurs,” made headlines back in 2016 with another striking work: “America” ​​- a fully functional sculpture of a golden toilet.