Justin Sun, the founder of Tron, made headlines when he decided to eat the $6.2 million banana duct-taped to a wall, which he purchased at Sotheby’s. The unique event took place at the Peninsula Hotel in Hong Kong and drew attention to the artwork titled “Comedian,” created by Italian artist Maurizio Cattelan. This piece of art gained international fame back in 2019 when it was first showcased at Art Basel in Miami Beach.
During the event, Justin Sun used the opportunity to discuss the relationship between conceptual art, non-fungible tokens (NFTs), and blockchain technology. After delivering a speech, he boldly took a bite of the expensive fruit and commented that it was “quite good.” Attendees were given rolls of duct tape and bananas as souvenirs, paying homage to the original artwork.
For Justin Sun, the banana duct-taped to the wall symbolizes more than just a piece of satire; it represents the convergence of art, technology, and global culture. The humble banana, which was originally purchased from a fruit stall on Manhattan’s Upper East Side for less than a dollar, ended up being resold for millions. The original seller, 74-year-old Shah Alam, was moved to tears upon learning about the significant sale of the fruit.
In response to the emotional reaction of the original seller, Justin Sun pledged to buy 100,000 bananas from Shah Alam’s stall and distribute them worldwide as a way to celebrate the connection between art and everyday life. However, it was later revealed by the New York Times that selling bananas actually yields no profit for the elderly fruit vendor.
This event has sparked discussions about the value of art, the role of technology in the art world, and the intersection of high culture with everyday items. Justin Sun’s bold move to consume the $6.2 million banana duct-taped to a wall has certainly left a lasting impression on those who attended the event in Hong Kong and those who have heard about it around the world.